Cerebrovascular
Cerebrovascular disease is a broad term for conditions that affect the blood vessels (arteries and veins) in your brain. Although there are various types of disease proccesses, risks, and outcomes of cerebrovascular conditions, one thing holds true: Cerebrovascular health is essential to overall health.
Cerebrovascular disease can affect people of any race, age, or sex. Some factors, however, put people at higher risk. Find out about the risk factors and symptoms of cerebrovascular disease, and learn how our team can help treat these conditions.
What is cerebrovascular disease?
Cerebrovascular disease is related to blood flow in the brain. It can be very serious and can lead to stroke, aneurysms, or other conditions that impair brain function. The most common type of cerebrovascular disease is stroke: Ischemic stroke is caused by a reduction in blood flow in the brain, and hemorrhagic stroke results from bleeding in the brain.
Types of cerebrovascular disease
Many conditions can be a part of cerebrovascular disease, including the following:
Stroke
Occurs when something blocks blood supply to part of the brain or when a blood vessel in the brain bursts.
Brain Aneurysms
A weak or thin spot on an artery in the brain that balloons or bulges out and fills with blood.
Arteriovenous Malformations
An abnormal tangle of blood vessels that causes problems with the connections between your arteries and veins.
Brain Hemorrhage
Refers to bleeding between the brain tissue and the skull or inside the brain tissue. This is a life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical attention.
Transient Ischemic Attacks
Happens when there is a temporary disruption in the blood supply to part of the brain.
Moyamoya Disease
A rare vascular disease of the brain in which the main arteries that supply blood to your brain become narrowed and blocked.
Carotid Artery Disease
Results from a blockage or narrowing of the carotid arteries. This narrowing is also called carotid artery stenosis. The carotid arteries are major blood vessels that provide your brain’s blood supply.
Each of these conditions is serious. If you have signs of cerebrovascular disease, its imperative to seek a doctors help right away.
Symptoms of cerebrovascular disease
Symptoms of cerebrovascular disease vary depending on the location of the blockage in the brain, but common symptoms include:
- Weakness or paralysis on one side of your body
- Severe and sudden headache
- Vision changes
- Loss of balance and coordination
- Trouble speaking and understanding speech
- Confusion
If you or a loved one are experiencing any of these symptoms, seek immediate emergency medical attention. In an emergency, always call 911. It is essential for survival and reducing long-term effects.
Diagnosis for cerebrovascular disease
Cerebrovascular disease is a medical emergency, so a rapid diagnosis is essential. A doctor will ask about medical history and perform a physical exam. They will quickly assess the following:
- Speech fluency
- Balance
- Mental status
- Eye movement
- Weakness or paralysis
If your doctor suspects cerebrovascular disease, they may order tests such as:
- Electrocardiogram (EKG)
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
- Spinal tap
- Cerebral angiography
- CT angiography
These tests will also help pinpoint the cause of cerebrovascular disease.
Causes of cerebrovascular disease
Cerebrovascular disease can develop for many reasons, including the following:
- A blood clot or thrombosis forms in the brain (this often occurs in narrowed blood vessels.)
- A traveling blood clot or embolism moves from another part of the body into the brain
- Atherosclerosis, or plaque buildup, in the arteries of the brain
- Hemorrhage, or blood vessel rupture (this often happens in people with uncontrolled high blood pressure)
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI), typically from a blow to the head
- Vascular malformations ( arteries and veins that develop abnormally in utero)
Contributing risk factors for cerebrovascular disease
You are at a higher risk for cerebrovascular disease if you have diabetes, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol. There are many things you can do to lower your risk:
- Quit smoking
- Limit alcohol intake
- Eat a healthy diet low in salt, fat, and calories
- Exercise to maintain a healthy weight
- Take your medications to control high blood pressure or heart arrhythmia
Talk to your doctor if you have any of these risk factors.
Treatment for cerebrovascular disease
If you have been diagnosed with cerebrovascular disease, treatment depends on your specific condition and circumstances. The primary goal is to limit damage to the brain, so treatments should begin as soon as possible. The Intent Medical Group specialists have extensive experience in cerebrovascular disease and can help determine the treatment that provides quality care.
Depending on your condition, you could be treated with blood thinners, and cholesterol-lowering and blood pressure medications.
For cases with a severe blockage, surgery may be required to improve blood flow, including carotid stenting, carotid angioplasty, carotid endarterectomy, or catheter-directed mechanical thrombectomy. The Intent Medical Group team uses innovative technologies and techniques, to provide quality care for your individual circumstances. Learn more about our treatments here.