Cerebrovascular disease is a term used to describe a group of conditions, diseases, and disorders affecting the blood supply to the brain and blood vessels and
Brain damage can occur if a blockage, malformation, or hemorrhage prevents the brain cells from receiving enough oxygen.
Cerebrovascular disease can be caused by several factors, including atherosclerosis, which occurs when the arteries become narrow; or embolic arterial blood clot,
Stroke, transient ischemic attack (T.I.A.), vascular malformation, and aneurysm are all examples of cerebrovascular diseases.
Cerebrovascular disease is the fifth leading cause of death in the United States. In 2017, it resulted in 44.9 deaths per 100,000 people, for a total of 146,383 deaths.
People can, however, take precautions to reduce their risk of developing cerebrovascular disease. In this article, we will discuss the symptoms, types, and treatments for these serious health issues and how to avoid them.
What Are The Symptoms Of Cerebrovascular Disease?
Cerebrovascular disease symptoms vary depending on the location of the blockage and its impact on brain tissue.
Different events may have other effects, but the following are common symptoms:
-a severe and sudden headache
-hemiplegia: paralysis of one side of the body
-weakness on one side, also known as hemiparesis
-difficulty communicating, including slurred speech
-one-sided vision loss
-loss of equilibrium
The American Stroke Association promotes public awareness of the F.A.S.T. acronym as a tool for recognizing and responding to stroke warning signs:
-Time to call 911
If anyone exhibits symptoms of a cerebrovascular attack, seek immediate medical attention because it can have long-term consequences such as cognitive impairment and paralysis.
What Are The Causes Of Cerebrovascular Disease?
Cerebrovascular disease includes the following conditions:
The most popular type of cerebrovascular disease is stroke. A stroke is distinguished by the permanent loss of sensation or motor function. Strokes are classified into hemorrhagic (bleeding into the brain) and ischemic (insufficient blood flow to the brain).
-Transient ischemic attack (T.I.A.): A TIA is similar to a stroke in that the symptoms disappear within 24 hours.
-Aneurysms of blood vessels supplying the brain: An aneurysm is caused by a weakening of the artery wall, which results in a blood vessel bulge.
-Vascular malformations: These are abnormalities in the arteries or veins.
-Vascular dementia: This is a type of cognitive impairment that is usually permanent.
-Subarachnoid hemorrhage: This term refers to blood leaking from a blood vessel onto the brain’s surface.
What are the Risk Factors?
The most popular type of cerebrovascular event is a stroke, the risk of stroke rises with age, especially if the individual or a close relative has previously experienced a cerebrovascular attack. This risk doubles every ten years between the ages of 55 and 85. A stroke, on the other hand, can happen at any age, including infancy.
These factors increase the likelihood of a stroke and other types of cerebrovascular disease:
-hypertension: blood pressure of 130/80 mm Hg or higher by the American College of Cardiology.
-blood cholesterol levels of 240 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dl) or higher
-poor diet and lack of exercise
The same factors increase a person’s risk of developing a cerebral aneurysm. People who have a congenital anomaly or have experienced head trauma, on the other hand, may have a higher risk of developing a cerebral aneurysm.
Pregnancy can also increase the risk of cerebral venous thrombosis, a blood clot that affects a vein in the brain.
How To Reduce The Risk Of A Stroke?
Blood platelet inhibitors, such as dipyridamole, ticlopidine, and clopidogrel, can lower the risk of stroke before it occurs. These can aid in the prevention of stroke in people who have a history of it or at high risk of having a cerebrovascular attack.
Historically, doctors advised people to take aspirin daily to reduce their risk of having a heart attack or stroke. Current guidelines, however, advise people to take aspirin only if they are at high risk of having a cardiovascular event and have a low risk of bleeding.
This is because aspirin increases the likelihood of bleeding.
Doctors also prescribe statins to lower and manage high cholesterol levels and reduce ischemic stroke and heart attack risk.
How To Treat Cerebrovascular Disease?
A cerebrovascular event necessitates immediate medical attention. Rapid assessment and treatment are critical because stroke medications must be administered within a specific time frame after the onset of symptoms.
During an acute stroke, the emergency team may administer a tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), a medication that dissolves the blood clot.
A neurosurgeon must evaluate a person with a brain hemorrhage. They may perform surgery to relieve the increased pressure caused by a bleed.
An incision in the carotid artery is made, and the plaque is removed during carotid endarterectomy. This allows the blood to flow once more. The artery is then repaired with sutures or graft by the surgeon.
Some people may need carotid angioplasty and stenting, which entails inserting a balloon-tipped catheter into the artery by a surgeon. They will then inflate the balloon, reopening the artery.
Following that, the surgeon places a thin metal mesh tube, known as a stent, inside the carotid artery to enhance blood flow in the previously blocked artery. The stent prevents the artery from collapsing or closing up following the procedure.
Rehabilitation From A Stroke :
Because cerebrovascular events can result in permanent brain damage, people may experience temporary or permanent disability due to them.
As a result, they may need various supportive and rehabilitative therapies to maintain as much function as possible.
These could include:
-Physical therapy: This treatment aims to improve mobility, flexibility, and limb function.
-Speech therapy: This may assist people in communicating more clearly and regaining speech following a stroke or cerebrovascular attack.
-Occupational therapy: This can assist a person in gaining access to facilities that facilitate a return to work and daily life.
-Psychological therapy: Physical disability can result in unexpected emotional demands that necessitate extensive readjustment. If a person feels overwhelmed after a cerebrovascular event, they may benefit from seeing a psychiatrist, psychologist, or counselor.