In order to bring you the best possible user experience, this site uses Javascript. If you are seeing this message, it is likely that the Javascript option in your browser is disabled. For optimal viewing of this site, please ensure that Javascript is enabled for your browser.
 EMAIL TO FRIEND     |      PRINTER FRIENDLY     |    
          advertisement

Cerebrovascular Disease

Also called: Cerebrovascular Occlusion, Cerebral Vasculitis, Cerebral Arteriosclerosis, Occlusive Cerebrovascular Disease, Cerebral Vascular Disease, Cerebral Arteritis

- Summary
- About cerebrovascular disease
- Risk factors and signs
- Diagnosis methods
- Treatment and prevention
- Questions for your doctor

Reviewed By:
Sumit Verma, M.D., FACC
Kerry Prewitt, M.D., FACC
David H. Deaton, M.D., FACS

Summary

Cerebrovascular disease is any disorder that affects the disease in the blood vessels that feed oxygen-rich blood to the face and brain. Most often, this term is used to describe “hardening” (atherosclerosis) of the carotid arteries, which supply the brain with blood.

This form of cerebrovascular disease is similar to coronary artery disease, which occurs in the blood vessels that supply the heart with oxygen-rich blood. It is also referred to as ischemic disease, or a disease that causes a lack of blood flow. Because it occurs in blood vessels outside the heart, this condition is also considered to be a type of peripheral artery disease.

Peripheral Arterial Disease

Ischemic cerebrovascular disease is particularly dangerous because it often has no symptoms. Yet it can cause stroke, either when the plaque ruptures and pieces of plaque block a narrowed portion of the artery, or when the carotid artery becomes completely blocked by the buildup.

In contrast to ischemic cerebrovascular disease, in which the brain does not receive enough blood, hemorrhagic cerebrovascular disease is characterized by too much blood in the brain. This form of cerebrovascular disease occurs when a blood vessel in the brain ruptures. Depending on the nature of the bleeding, symptoms may take hours or days to become apparent, or they may begin abruptly and rapidly progress to coma.

Although it can be difficult to detect cerebrovascular disease, there are known risk factors that might alert a physician. Uncontrollable risk factors include gender, age, ethnicity and family history. Risk factors that can be controlled include smoking, lack of regular exercise, diet, obesity and uncontrolled diabetes. In addition, unhealthy cholesterol levels, high blood pressure, and emotional factors may increase the risk of cerebrovascular disease.

Diagnosis of cerebrovascular disease depends on the variety and severity of the condition. If the condition is only suspected and there are no acute symptoms, diagnosis typically begins with a medical history and physical examination. These may be followed by more complex testing such as duplex imaging, magnetic resonance angiogram (MRA) and/or an angiogram. Treatment may involve medications (e.g., antiplatelets), modification of risk factors and/or more invasive treatments or procedures.

page 1 of 6 | Next Page




Review Date: 04-12-2007
Video
DVT: Can Statins be the Answer?
Theres new evidence that thousands of potentially fatal blood clots...
The Myths about Heart Disease and Women
Debra thought heart disease happened only to older men. It's a...
Blood Pressure
While the exact causes of high blood pressure can remain unknown, it's clear that two...
Music Can Help Ease Pre-Treatment Anxiety
Listening to music may help ease some of the stress and anxiety...
Cholesterol Checkups Can Prevent Heart Attacks
Doctors recommend getting your cholesterol evaluated on a consistent...
Recession Heart Attacks
Can losing your job affect your health? Anyone over 50 who...

Advice from Dr. Nancy Snyderman

Dr. Nancy Snyderman

Helpful tips and information on weight loss

Get answers from an expert
advertisement
advertisement

YourTotalHealth      

Home  |  Health Centers  |  Health A-Z  |  Staying Healthy  |  Diet & Fitness  |  Woman & Family  |  Pregnancy  |  Community  |  

also on iVillage: Pregnancy & Parenting  |  Beauty & Style  |  Home & Garden  |  Food  |  Weddings  |  Love  |  Entertainment  |  NeverSayDiet

Terms of Service  |  Privacy Policy  |  Site Map  |  Newsletters  |  Feedback

Copyright (c) 2000-2009 iVillage Inc. All rights reserved. The information provided on this site is intended for your general knowledge only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment for specific medical conditions. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease without consulting with a qualified healthcare provider. Please consult your healthcare provider with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your condition.