https://www.healthline.com/health/cerebrovascular-disease
Untitled Document
Cerebrovascular disease includes a range of conditions that affect the flow of blood through the brain. This alteration of blood flow can sometimes impair the brain’s functions on either a temporary or permanent basis. When such an event occurs suddenly, it’s referred to as a cerebrovascular accident (CVA).
What are the causes of cerebrovascular disease?
Conditions that fall under the heading of cerebrovascular disease include:
- Stroke: The most common type of cerebrovascular disease. The hallmark of a stroke is the permanent loss of sensation or motor function. The two general categories of strokes are hemorrhagic (bleeding into the brain) or ischemic (insufficient blood flow to the brain).
- Transient ischemic attack (TIA): This is similar to a stroke, but the symptoms completely resolve within 24 hours. TIA is sometimes referred to as a “mini stroke.”
- Aneurysms of blood vessels supplying the brain: An aneurysm is caused by a weakening of the artery wall, resulting in a bulge in the blood vessel.
- Vascular malformations: This refers to abnormalities present in arteries or veins.
- Vascular dementia: Cognitive impairment that is usually permanent.
- Subarachnoid hemorrhage: This term is used to describe blood leaking out of a blood vessel onto the brain’s surface.
Symptoms of cerebrovascular disease
The symptoms of cerebrovascular disease may differ slightly depending on the specific condition you have. However, stroke is the most common presentation of cerebrovascular diseases.
Strokes are characterized by sudden onset of symptoms, and survival and functional outcomes are time-sensitive. To help you identify the warning signs of a stroke, use the acronym FAST:
- Facial droop: One side of the face may appear “droopy” or the person may be unable to smile.
- Arm weakness: The person is unable to raise their arm above their head
- Speech difficulty: The person has slurred speech, is unable to find words, or is unable to understand what people are saying to them
- Time to call 911: Immediately seek medical attention if even one of these symptoms is present.
Other symptoms of a TIA or stroke include:
- severe headache
- vertigo or dizziness
- vomiting and nausea
- memory loss or confusion
- numbness and tingling in the arm, leg, or face, usually on only one side of the body
- slurred speech
- vision problems
- difficulty or inability to walk
