[QUANTITATIVE INDEXES OF SLOW PERIODICAL VOLUME FLUCTUATIONS INSIDE CRANIA-SPINAL SPACES].

Process of circulatory-metabolic support of brain functioning is based on integration of cerebrovascular and CSF-circulatory systems as well scull mechanics, as united structural-functional system is accompanied by periodic volume--pressure fluctuations inside crania-spinal space. The frequency of them is widely variable (0.03-0.25 Hz), as well as its amplitude (0.3-1.2 of pulse wave value) and they exist in the most of its regions. Results of noninvasive studies of volunteers of groups (18-20 and 40-55 years old), that these fluctuations, reflect the functioning of the mechanism, responsible for brain circulatory metabolic supply, and the evaluation of these quantitative indices by means of spectral analysis with quantization 128 kHz could provide valuable information concerning functional integration of systems, responsible for circulatory-metabolic brain support.

Slow-wave oscillations in the craniosacral space: a hemoliquorodynamic concept of origination.

The mechanism of formation of rhythmic, slow-wave oscillations in the craniospinal cavity were studied. Synchronous bioimpedance traces were made of the head and lumbosacral part of the spine in five healthy young subjects at rest and during voluntary breath-holding; these reflect changes in the ratios of blood and CSF volumes in these parts of the craniospinal space. Computer amplitude-frequency and spectral analysis of the data (Macintosh G-4, Chart-5.2) demonstrated slow (6-12 cycles/min) and rapid (pulsatile) oscillations in different directions in the cranial and lumbosacral areas. These data suggested a hemoliquorodynamic hypothesis for the craniosacral rhythm. The pulsatile and slow-wave oscillations of cerebrovascular tone and intracranial pressure evidently initiate to-and-fro displacements of the CSF in the caudal direction. The associated tonic contractions of the musculature of the lumbar part of the spine and the mobility of the sacrum are detected manually as the craniosacral rhythm.