What are cerebrovascular disorders?

Cerebrovascular disorder is a medical condition that affects the blood vessels in the brain. This can result in a disruption of the blood flow to the brain, which can cause damage to brain cells and lead to various symptoms. Cerebrovascular disorders can be caused by a variety of factors, including high blood pressure, smoking, diabetes, and high cholesterol. 

Cerebrovascular disorders we treat include:

• Aneurysms and hemorrhages: weakening sections of cerebral blood vessels that can rupture and cause bleeding in the brain
• Brain Arteriovenous Malformations (AVMs): tangles of abnormally formed cerebral blood vessels that can lead to bleeding in the brain
• Carotid and vertebral artery stenosis: the buildup of plaque in the arteries that supply the brain with blood
• Carotid artery occlusion: a complete blockage in the carotid artery
• Cavernous malformations: tightly packed clusters of abnormal blood vessels
• Dural arteriovenous fistulas: unusual connections between arteries and veins within the outermost layer of the brain
• Large vessel occlusions: ischemic strokes caused by a blockage in a major artery in the brain
• Moyamoya disease: the narrowing of carotid arteries, which increases the risk of stroke
• Spinal vascular malformations: unusual connections between arteries and veins within the spinal cord
• Stroke: brain damage caused by the interruption of blood flow to the brain due to a blockage (ischemic stroke) or bursting (hemorrhagic stroke) of a blood vessel
• Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA): a temporary blockage of blood flow to the brain that could indicate a higher risk of stroke; also known as “mini stroke”

Risk factors for cerebrovascular disorders

There are several risk factors for cerebrovascular disorders, including hypertension (high blood pressure), smoking, diabetes, high cholesterol, obesity, physical inactivity, and a family history of stroke or heart disease. Additionally, age, gender, and race can also play a role in the development of cerebrovascular disorders.

Symptoms of cerebrovascular disorders

The symptoms of cerebrovascular disorders can vary depending on the specific condition and the location and severity of the damage to the brain. Common symptoms of a stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA) include:

• Sudden weakness or numbness on one side of the body
• Sudden difficulty speaking or understanding speech
• Sudden vision changes
• Sudden severe headache
• Dizziness or loss of balance

Other symptoms of cerebrovascular disorders may include:

• Difficulty with coordination or movement
• Confusion
• Memory loss
• Changes in behavior or personality
• Difficulty swallowing
• Trouble breathing
• Seizures

What are the treatment options for cerebrovascular disorders?

The treatment for cerebrovascular disorders depends on the specific condition and its severity. In some cases, lifestyle changes such as managing high blood pressure, quitting smoking, and maintaining a healthy weight can be effective treatments. In other cases, medication may be prescribed to prevent blood clots or manage other underlying conditions such as high cholesterol or diabetes.

For more severe cases, surgical procedures may be necessary, such as carotid endarterectomy to remove plaque from the carotid arteries, or aneurysm clipping or coiling to repair or block off an aneurysm.

In all cases, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible to minimize damage to the brain and prevent further complications. Rehabilitation and ongoing care may also be necessary to manage any long-term effects of the condition.