Intracranial Vascular Disease Symptoms

According to the American Association of Neurological Surgeons, intracranial vascular disease, more commonly know as cerebrovascular disease, is the leading cause of life-threatening neurological issues. Among the ranks of disease included in the definition of cerebrovascular disease are stroke, the third leading cause of death in the United States, and cerebral aneurysms. Symptoms of disease may come on suddenly and without warning, which is why attempts at prevention and diagnosis are important.

Anatomy

• The term vascular means arteries and veins, and the term cerebral indicates blood flow in the brain. When there is a restriction in the blood flow, due to things such as aneurysms, stenosis or malformations, it's considered to be due to cerebrovascular disease. The arteries that carry blood to your brain are the carotid and vertebral arteries. These two vessels are the only supply of blood to the brain, so cerebrovascular disease should be a concern for anyone.

Stroke

• Symptoms of cerebrovascular disease as related to a stroke are dizziness, severe headache, weakness or numbness on one side of the body or face, loss of balance and blurred vision. A stroke is an interruption of the blood flow to the brain that occurs suddenly due to a blockage or rupture of the blood vessels. These symptoms necessitate immediate medical help.

Aneurysm

• An aneurysm is typically the cause of a ruptured blood vessel. The signs are sudden if the aneurysm ruptures in the brain and can include a severe headache, dizziness, nausea and vomiting. Aneurysms typically don't produce any symptoms prior to rupture and occur more often in the aorta, according to the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute.

Diagnosis

• Your physician can assess your personal background and family history to see it there is any predisposition to cerebrovascular disease. Other risk factors such as obesity, lack of activity and smoking can lead your doctor to do testing to check the arteries of the brain. Blockages and the majority of cerebrovascular problems can all be seen with imaging tests such as a CT scan, carotid ultrasound or an angiogram.

Treatment

• Treatment will largely depend on the severity of the disease. If the blockage is severe, surgery may be required. If build-up or blockage isn't a major concern, your physician may make recommendations for lifestyle modification and medication to help prevent a major neurological event such as stroke.