What is cerebrovascular insufficiency?

Cerebrovascular insufficiency is a condition that occurs because arteries to the brain have become so narrow that not enough blood reaches the brain. If this condition is not treated, it may lead to a stroke. A stroke is a brain injury caused by sudden, complete loss of blood flow to part of the brain.

How does it occur?

Cerebrovascular insufficiency is caused by any condition that narrows the inside of the blood vessels. Examples of such conditions are atherosclerosis (a disease in which fatty deposits form on the inside of the artery), high blood pressure, and diabetes. The narrowing of the blood vessels decreases the flow of blood to the brain.

What are the symptoms?

Cerebrovascular insufficiency itself has few symptoms. However, it can lead to TIAs (transient ischemic attacks) or strokes. TIAs are mini-strokes that may warn of a stroke to follow.

How is it diagnosed?

The doctor reviews your symptoms and examines you, paying particular attention to your blood pressure and heart. He or she will look closely at any problems you have related to your brain.

Your doctor may order lab tests that study the flow of blood to your brain. These may include:

• brain scans to see which areas of the brain are affected

• an ultrasound test of the major blood vessels carrying blood to the brain to see if they are narrowed

• an angiogram to follow the flow of blood to your brain.

Other tests may be done, depending on what your doctor thinks may be the cause of the problem.

How is it treated?

In most cases cerebrovascular insufficiency results from long-term accumulation of deposits inside the blood vessels. You may live with this condition for years without having symptoms. Your treatment will be aimed at preventing strokes, the most dangerous complication.

Sometimes surgery is done to widen arteries that have become narrowed. Although surgery may help reduce the risk of strokes, not everyone is a good candidate for surgery.

For many people, even those who have surgery, aspirin or other blood-thinning medicines are recommended.

How long will the effects last?

A stroke is the most serious effect of cerebrovascular insufficiency. The risk of having a stroke varies, depending on how many blood vessels are narrowed or blocked and how severely they are narrowed. Without treatment, you will always be at risk for a TIA or stroke.

How can I take care of myself?

The following steps can help reduce the risk of developing cerebrovascular insufficiency or help prevent it from getting worse:

• Stop smoking. (Smoking narrows the arteries.)

• Lower high blood pressure.

• If you have diabetes, continue treatment.

• Eat nutritious foods low in fat and cholesterol.

• Exercise according to your doctor's recommendation.

• Reduce stress in your life.

In addition, it may be beneficial to:

• Have your blood pressure checked every 6 to 12 months.

• Have your cholesterol checked at least every 5 years after age 40.