Cerebrovascular disease is a term that refers to a group of conditions that affect blood flow and the blood vessels in the brain. These conditions can cause a reduction of blood flow to the brain (ischemia) or bleeding (hemorrhage) in a part of the brain, which can lead to a stroke. Cerebrovascular diseases can develop from a variety of causes, including atherosclerosis, thrombosis, embolic arterial blood clot, cerebral venous thrombosis, aneurysms, and hemorrhages. Some of the most common cerebrovascular diseases include:
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Stroke: A stroke occurs when the blood supply to the brain is interrupted or reduced, which can cause brain cells to die. There are two main types of stroke: ischemic stroke and hemorrhagic stroke.
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Aneurysms: An aneurysm is a bulge in a blood vessel caused by a weakness in the vessel wall. If an aneurysm ruptures, it can cause bleeding in the brain.
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Arteriovenous malformations (AVMs): AVMs are abnormal tangles of blood vessels that can disrupt normal blood flow in the brain and increase the risk of bleeding.
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Carotid artery disease: This condition occurs when the carotid arteries, which supply blood to the brain, become narrowed or blocked by a buildup of plaque. This can increase the risk of stroke.
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Transient ischemic attack (TIA): Also known as a mini-stroke, a TIA is a temporary interruption of blood flow to the brain that can cause stroke-like symptoms but usually resolves within a few minutes to hours.
Symptoms of cerebrovascular disease can vary depending on the type and severity of the condition, but may include sudden weakness or numbness in the face, arm, or leg, difficulty speaking or understanding speech, sudden vision loss, severe headache, and dizziness or loss of balance. Treatment for cerebrovascular disease depends on the underlying cause and may include medications, surgery, or lifestyle changes to reduce risk factors. It is important to seek medical attention immediately if you or someone you know experiences symptoms of a stroke or other cerebrovascular disease.
