Cerebrovascular Diseases CVDs, Definition, Causes and Risk Factors

Cerebrovascular Diseases (CVDs) refer to a group of conditions that affect the blood vessels and blood supply to the brain. These disorders can lead to significant neurological damage and are a major cause of death and disability worldwide.

Definition

Cerebrovascular disease occurs when there's a sudden disruption of blood flow to the brain due to blockage (ischemia) or rupture (hemorrhage) of blood vessels.

Types of Cerebrovascular Diseases

1. Stroke (Cerebrovascular Accident)

   • Ischemic Stroke (≈ 85% cases): Caused by a blood clot blocking a vessel.

     • Thrombotic (from a local clot)

     • Embolic (from a clot that travels from another part of the body)

   • Hemorrhagic Stroke: Caused by bleeding into the brain.

     • Intracerebral hemorrhage

     • Subarachnoid hemorrhage

2. Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA)

   • A "mini-stroke" with temporary blockage of blood flow. Symptoms resolve within 24 hours.

   • A warning sign for future major strokes.

3. Aneurysm

   • A weakened area in a blood vessel that balloons out. May rupture, leading to hemorrhage.

4. Arteriovenous Malformations (AVMs)

   • Abnormal tangles of arteries and veins that can rupture and bleed.

5. Cerebral Venous Sinus Thrombosis (CVST)

   • Blood clot in the brain’s venous sinuses, leading to increased intracranial pressure.

Causes and Risk Factors

• Hypertension

• Diabetes mellitus

• High cholesterol

• Smoking

• Atrial fibrillation

• Sedentary lifestyle

• Obesity

• Family history of stroke or CVD

Symptoms

• Sudden numbness or weakness (especially one side of the body)

• Confusion, trouble speaking or understanding

• Visual disturbances

• Dizziness or loss of balance

• Severe headache (especially in hemorrhagic stroke)

Diagnosis

• CT Scan / MRI Brain

• CT Angiography / MR Angiography

• Carotid Doppler Ultrasound

• Blood tests (clotting profile, glucose, cholesterol)

• Echocardiogram / ECG (if embolic cause is suspected)

Treatment

• Ischemic Stroke:

  • Clot-busting drugs (e.g., tPA)

  • Mechanical thrombectomy

• Hemorrhagic Stroke:

  • Blood pressure control

  • Surgical intervention (e.g., clipping or coiling of aneurysms)

• Preventive Therapies:

  • Antiplatelets (aspirin)

  • Anticoagulants

  • Lifestyle modification

  • Statins

Prevention

• Control blood pressure and sugar

• Quit smoking and alcohol

• Healthy diet and regular exercise

• Manage heart conditions (e.g., atrial fibrillation)

• Regular health screenings