what is cerebrovascular disease

Quick Scoop

Cerebrovascular disease is a group of conditions that affect blood flow in the brain, usually by narrowing, blocking, or breaking blood vessels. It can lead to stroke, which is the most well-known form of cerebrovascular disease.

What it means

The term “cerebrovascular” refers to the brain’s blood vessels and circulation. When blood flow is reduced or interrupted, brain tissue can be damaged because the brain needs a constant supply of oxygen and nutrients.

Common types

Cerebrovascular disease includes several related problems, such as:

• Ischemic stroke from a blockage.
• Hemorrhagic stroke from a ruptured blood vessel.
• Carotid or intracranial stenosis, which means narrowing of the arteries.
• Aneurysms.
• Vascular malformations.

Possible symptoms

Symptoms depend on which part of the brain is affected, but common warning signs include:

• Sudden weakness or paralysis, often on one side.
• Slurred speech or trouble understanding speech.
• Vision loss or double vision.
• Severe sudden headache.
• Dizziness, loss of balance, fainting, or confusion.

Risk factors

Common risk factors include high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, heart disease, smoking, physical inactivity, obesity, and heavy alcohol use.

When to act

If someone has sudden face drooping, arm weakness, speech trouble, severe headache, or loss of vision, treat it as an emergency and seek immediate medical help. Those symptoms can signal stroke.

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