Rheoencephalography: An Overview

Introduction

Rheoencephalography (REG) is a method for studying cerebral (brain) blood flow. It’s based on recording the rhythmic changes in the electrical resistance of brain tissue due to pulsating blood flow in the vessels.

The Process

REG involves analyzing repeated waves and spikes. The assessment of rheoencephalograms considers the characteristics of these spikes, the amplitude of rheographic (systolic) waves, and other factors. This method is particularly useful in the sports domain for various purposes.

Applications in Sports

• Diagnosing Chronic Cerebral Circulation Disorders: REG is instrumental in identifying chronic abnormalities in brain blood flow in athletes.
• Assessing Autonomic Vascular Dystonia: This condition involves abnormal functioning of the autonomic nervous system, affecting blood vessels, which can be monitored using REG.
• Addressing Headaches and Other Brain Vessel Changes: Athletes suffering from headaches or other cerebral vascular changes can benefit from REG analysis to understand the underlying issues.
• Trauma and Concussion Diagnosis: REG plays a critical role in diagnosing pathologies arising from head injuries, concussions, and professional diseases in athletes, which secondarily affect cerebral circulation.
• Identifying Secondary Effects of Conditions like Cervical Osteochondrosis: This refers to disorders related to spinal issues, impacting cerebral blood flow, for which REG can provide valuable insights.

Conclusion

Rheoencephalography is a significant tool in sports medicine, offering deep insights into cerebral blood flow-related issues in athletes. Its non-invasive nature and precise diagnostic capability make it indispensable for sports health professionals.