What Are Cerebrovascular Disorders?
Cerebrovascular disorders may include stroke, carotid stenosis, vertebral stenosis, intracranial stenosis as well as brain aneurysms and vascular malformations. With each of these, the brain does not get blood the way that it should, altering its ability to function properly.
These disorders are diagnosed using multiple types of tests including:
- Cerebral Angiography: used to evaluate the carotid arteries for narrowing or other problems.
- Carotid Ultrasound: used to find plaque, clots, or other issues with blood flow to the brain.
- CT: used to evaluate the blood vessels; this is less invasive compared to cerebral angiography and is therefore sometimes preferred.
- Doppler Ultrasound: used to evaluate both shallow and deep blood vessels – same process as ultrasound used to evaluate pregnancy.
- EEG (electroencephalogram): small metal electrodes are placed on the patient’s scalp to evaluate electrical signals also known as brain waves.
- MRI: used to evaluate if there have been prior strokes.
- MRI (MR Angiogram): used to see the arteries in the head and neck to evaluate any issues.
The goal of all of these is to allow the neurosurgeon to see the arteries and vessels that are in or around the brain. Treatment planning then occurs after diagnosis.
How Are Cerebrovascular Disorders Treated?
Treatment of cerebrovascular disorders depends on the type of disorder. An ischemic stroke can be treated using medication. Hemorrhagic (bleeding) stroke is treated by finding the source of bleeding and stopping it. Once this occurs, prevention and rehab are key. Carotid, vertebral, and intracranial stenosis can all be treated with either medication or surgery depending on how severe the narrowing is. Prevention is important. Ways to prevent these disorders include quitting smoking, exercise, eating a healthy diet, and controlling blood pressure.