Cerebrovascular Diseases

Cerebrovascular diseases develop due to problems in the vessels that supply the brain. These problems can manifest with changes such as shrinking, enlargement or stroke in the veins. Cerebrovascular diseases cause the brain tissue to not have enough oxygen and nutrients. This can lead to impaired brain function and even brain damage. It is usually associated with factors such as old age, poor diet, sedentary lifestyle and smoking. The treatment of these diseases is possible by correcting the problems in the veins.

In the article, information on what cerebrovascular diseases are, how they occur and treatment methods will be given under the following headings:

• What are cerebrovascular diseases?
• How do cerebrovascular diseases occur?
• How is the diagnosis of cerebrovascular diseases made?
• What is the treatment of cerebrovascular diseases?

What is Cerebrovascular Diseases?

Cerebral vascular diseases occur as a result of shrinking, narrowing or rupture of the vessels in the brain, which is the most important organ in the body, due to some factors. Cerebrovascular diseases include:

Stroke

Stroke is a disease that causes the brain tissue to not get enough oxygen and nutrients. This occurs as a result of a blockage in the vein. Stroke can lead to death of brain tissue and have serious consequences.

Blockage

Occlusion occurs as a result of the accumulation of particles in the vein. These particles settle in the vessels and block blood flow. The blockage disallows delivery of enough oxygen and nutrients to the brain tissue, leading to impaired brain functions.

Expansion

Enlargement is an abnormal enlargement of the vein walls. This condition causes weakening of the vessel wall or excessive pressure of paticles accumulated in the vessel. The enlargement can increase the risk of rupture of the vessel wall, resulting in stroke.

Thrombus

Thrombus is caused by blockages in the vessels and prevents adequate oxygen and nutrients from reaching the brain tissue. Thrombus can lead to impaired brain function and even brain damage.

Heart attack

A heart attack is a problem that occurs as a result of the formation of particles in the arteries. These particles block the blood flow in the vessels and sufficient oxygen and nutrients cannot be delivered to the brain tissue. A heart attack can cause death of brain tissue and serious brain damage.

Transient ischemic attack (TIA)

TIA is a temporary cerebral vessel shrinking. This blockage causes the brain tissue to be temporarily unable to reach sufficient oxygen and nutrients. A TIA usually goes away within a few minutes and does not cause serious brain damage.

How Do Cerebrovascular Diseases Occur?

The main factors that cause the formation of cerebrovascular diseases are:

• Old age: Cerebrovascular diseases are more common in the elderly. This condition is associated with aging of the vessels. In the elderly, the veins are more sensitive and lose their ability to narrow and expand. Therefore, cerebrovascular diseases are more common in the elderly.
• Malnutrition: A healthy diet ensures that the veins are healthy and flexible. However, malnutrition weakens the vessels, which can lead to cerebrovascular diseases. Especially foods containing high cholesterol and fat increase the congestion in the veins.
• Sedentary lifestyle: A sedentary lifestyle disrupts blood circulation in the veins. The mobility of the veins keeps them healthy and flexible. However, a sedentary lifestyle weakens the vessels, which can lead to cerebrovascular diseases.
• Smoking: Smoking is a factor that increases vascular congestion. Smokers have a higher risk of developing plaques in the arteries

How is the diagnosis of cerebrovascular diseases made?

The diagnosis of cerebrovascular diseases is made by a doctor after the necessary examinations are made. These examinations include magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). This test serves to view the condition of the vessels of the brain. MRI is used to reveal problems such as blockage or enlargement of the vessels of the brain. Computed tomography (CT) is for taking images of brain tissue. If there is a problem in the brain vessels, it is understood through CT. Lastly, doppler ultrasonography can measure the velocity and direction of blood flow in the vessels of the brain. With this test, it can be detected if there is a blockage or enlargement of the vessels.

What is the Treatment of Cerebrovascular Diseases?

Treatment of cerebrovascular diseases may vary according to the patient's condition. However, among the generally used treatment methods, there is primarily drug therapy. Medicines used in cerebrovascular diseases are to reduce congestion in the vessels and increase blood flow. These drugs are used to dissolve particles formed in the veins and to widen the veins.

Surgical treatment can be applied in severe cases of cerebrovascular diseases. In this treatment method, it is aimed to surgically remove the blockages in the vessels. In this way, it is ensured that sufficient oxygen and nutrients reach the brain tissue. A healthy lifestyle is also important in the prevention and treatment of cerebrovascular diseases. Therefore, it is recommended that patients quit smoking, exercise regularly and establish a healthy diet.