Quantitative evaluation of slow fluctuations of the volume of liquids inside cranial cavity

Abstract

Introduction. Slow fl uctuations in the volume and pressure of liquids in the cranial cavity have been known for a long time and have been studied for more than 100 years. However, their quantitative indicators and their practical signifi cance remain unclear until now due to the diffi culties of research. Nevertheless, it was found that they were connected with the brain activity, which made it possible to use them as one of the physiological indicators in studying the problems of manned space fl ights. Goal of research — to study the possibility of using spectral analysis of slow fl uctuations of the volume of liquids inside the cranium in order to realize the quantitative assessment of their indicators with the use of modern microelectronics and computer technology.Materials and methods. In order to solve this problem we created a complex, in which rheoencephalograph-RG-01 («Mizar») was used as a converter-modulator of physiological signals into electrical oscillations. The device was connected with the ADC (Firm «ADIstrument»), Its software allows to calculate the spectrogram with a sampling rate of 128 kHz. Studies were conducted on volunteers of younger, middle and older age groups. The respiratory rate and the electrocardiography were registered together with the rheoencephalography. Electrodes were fi xed on the volonteers′ fronto-mastoid area.Results. Slow fl uctuations the cranium representan independent physiological phenomenon. The most considerable and valuable were fl uctuations in 0,1–0,3 Hz. It was found that current frequency of 100 or 200 kHz and frequency for quantization of 80–100 kHz was optimal for performing their spectrograms. The structure of such diagram consists of 4–7 peaks with amplitude of 0,4–0,7 units compared with REG pulse amplitude. They depend on age and are characterized by hemispheric asymmetry. Spectral diagrams of slow fl ucation inside cranium are representing inpendent physiological phenomenon. These fl uctuations are not connected by common origin, with heart activity and respiration. They are connected by nature with brain activity and PRM.Conclusion. Can be an informative method for diagnostic and assessment of general status of osteopathic patients well as for the assessment of mechanisms of action of some osteopathic techniques.