Cerebrovascular stenosis
What is Cerebrovascular Stenosis?
Cerebrovascular stenosis is narrowing of the brain's arteries or veins. The narrowing of the vessel decreases blood flow to the brain, increasing the risk of stroke or other related conditions. The narrowing can occur in any artery or vein supplying the brain, but is most common in the carotid artery. A person can be born with cerebrovascular stenosis, or it can develop as a result of aging, high blood pressure, smoking, or other conditions that cause damage to arteries.
Symptoms of Cerebrovascular Stenosis
The most common symptom of cerebrovascular stenosis is stroke. Symptoms of stroke can depend on what area of the brain is affected and the severity of the narrowing. Common stroke symptoms include:
- Paralysis on one side of your body
- Numbness or tingling on one side of your body
- Slurred speech or difficulty understanding
- Headaches
- Blurred vision or loss of vision
- Loss of balance or coordination
In some cases, cerebrovascular stenosis can cause an aneurysm to form, increasing the risk of a hemorrhagic stroke. A hemorrhagic stroke is caused by a ruptured blood vessel that causes bleeding in the brain.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Cerebrovascular stenosis is typically diagnosed using imaging tests such as MRI, CT scan, or angiography. Once diagnosed, treatment for this condition is aimed at preventing stroke. Treatment may include medications to control high blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes, lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking, and in more serious cases, surgery to open or bypass the narrowed artery.