Cerebrovascular Disease

🧠 Cerebrovascular Disease

Cerebrovascular disease refers to a group of conditions that affect the blood vessels and blood flow to the brain, leading to events like stroke and transient ischemic attacks (TIAs).

🧬 Causes:

• Atherosclerosis (narrowing of blood vessels)
• Blood clots blocking cerebral arteries
• High blood pressure damaging blood vessels
• Diabetes, smoking, high cholesterol increase risk
• Heart disorders causing embolism (clots traveling to the brain)

🩺 Symptoms:

• Sudden weakness or numbness, especially on one side of the body
• Difficulty speaking or understanding speech
• Sudden vision problems
• Severe headache with no known cause
• Loss of balance or coordination
• Confusion or dizziness

🔍 Diagnosis:

• Physical and neurological examination
• Brain imaging: CT scan or MRI
• Blood tests and heart evaluations
• Ultrasound of carotid arteries

💊 Treatment:

• Emergency treatment for stroke (clot-busting drugs, thrombectomy)
• Medications to prevent further clots (antiplatelets, anticoagulants)
• Control of risk factors: blood pressure, diabetes, cholesterol
• Rehabilitation for recovery of function

⚠️ Complications:

• Permanent neurological damage or disability
• Recurrent strokes
• Cognitive impairment