Decreased bloodflow in the brain

[Luminiferous]

I know bloodflow to the brain essential to function well as it contains oxygen.
However, it seems to me that differences in the quantity of bloodflow has different effects. When I become more active (it feels like there is more blood circulation in the brain during these times), I tend to function much better cognitively.

Is this because the brain receives more oxygen?

What if for some reason, the bloodflow decreases (less bloodflow than normal). Will this leave a permanent damage to the brain?
Because often times, my bloodflow to the brain is noticably low (, a specific part of the brain feels blocked physically), and I become cognitively impaired.

When I explained this to my neurologist, she said that this is probably because of the muscles tensing within my head.

For the sake of theory, let's assume the tension of these muscles decreases the bloodflow to certain parts of the brain. Will this cause permanent damage to the brain in any way?

[iNow]

It probably depends on how long and how intense the oxygen starvation is, and also it depends on what part of the brain is being starved. The brain has a remarkable ability to heal itself and re-purpose regions to serve other functions, but whether permanent damage happens or not depends largely on the details of the experience... location, intensity, and duration of the oxygen starvation.

[Luminiferous]

Well as far as duration goes,, usually the "tension of the muscles" releases for a short period of time, allows a little of bloodflow then become tense again for minutes/hours, and this process is repeated many times a day and it has been like this for over a year.

[iNow]

As the doctor said, it's much more likely related to the muscles that are strapped around your skull than anything to do with the blood vessels within your brain. You don't have sensors or pain receptors in your brain, so that's not what you're feeling.

 

If you're having headaches, those are treatable. I wonder also if things would improve with a scalp massage. I cannot say for certain, but it would surprise me very much if your brain was being starved of oxygen and you could feel it.

[Luminiferous]

Thank you for your reply.

I assume what I feel during the blockage is indeed the muscles strapped around my skull or maybe even the eustachian tube or anything related to the inner ear. However, what I do notice during it is an extreme decrease in cognitive ability, sometimes even physically. It goes as far as not being able to read, listen, think, feel etc... These symptoms occure after the tension of those muscles and the thing that is particularly obvious is the sound of the tensing and releasing of the muscles. Often times, also a feeling of some sort of liquid being released is feelable, which often comes hand in hand with a decrease of the bad cognitive symptoms. I know the brain has no sensors/receptors but this feeling may well be sensed by other parts of the skull. These liquids often times have a peculiar temperature, which makes them easier to feel it.

 

My neurologist said that it is unlikely that these are hallucinations. She said that it is physical, rather than psychological, although she did say that the actual "tensing" (physical) is caused by psychological reactions.

 

These psychological reactions are caused by attempts to suppress my tics as I have tourette syndrome. By doing this long term, I have learned that it's possible to suppress tics for long periods of time, but the effects are horrible to say the least. Basically, when I relax, the muscles relax aswell, but that's also when I get the tics. And due to social fear, I am suppressing them every minute of the day.

 

The release of the liquid is felt the most when I tic after a long period of having suppressed them/tensed my muscles.

So my question is, having being in this state somewhat 24/7 for over a year, is it possible that it has caused permanent damage in any way? As far as my ability to function cognitively goes, there is a huge difference when comparing myself to 3-4 years ago (I'm 23 btw), even at moments when I am not having the tics at all.

[iNow]

Sounds like a tough and frustrating situation. I definitely hope things improve for you. Obviously, I don't know you and I can only tell based on what you've typed here, but it sounds very much like your suppressing of the tensions is leading partially to the stress and sensations themselves. For example, when you spoke of having trouble concentrating or being able to think clearly, it reminded me of having a very bad headache or when tense.

 

It might sound too simple-minded, but perhaps some basic relaxation exercises with breathing or meditation can help. I dunno. Definitely keep working with your doctor, but consider also find ways to relax your mind. I bet it would go a long way toward making your situation more bearable. Good luck.

[Luminiferous]

Thank you for your kind words.

I have experienced immense stress a lot in my life, but what I experience now is something much different (without the stress itself actually being more).

Also this entire "blockage" as I like to call it, is only in the right side of my brain. It's always the exact same place. I know a claim like that is a bit outrageous as we can't feel our brains, but it's felt by other muscles surrounding it.

And by that I mean, for example everytime I swallow, the muscles kind of push towards that area and that's when I hear the sound which I described above.

This sound happens everytime when I swallow. When the brains are not tense, the sound doesn't happen. Also if I push my right ear into a pillow and swallow, the sound becomes louder.so this kind of points out again that it's not a hallucination, as sounds within the skull get louder when you do this.

 

Also, ever noticed that when you are in a moment when you have a lot of adrenaline, you feel a physical difference in the head? Like a higher bloodflow circulation.

Whenever I get adrenaline while that area in the right brain is tensed/blocked, I can feel the high circulation everywhere except in that part of the brain.

I mean, due to pulsation and circulation, there is a very noticable feeling. The right side remains kind of "numb" for want of a better word, while the left side becomes very active.

Also there is a clear difference in left-brain right-brain functionality during these moments.

 

I will try to learn some relaxation techniques as you suggested.

Edited December 20, 2012 by Luminiferous