Intracranial Atherosclerotic Disease

Intracranial atherosclerotic disease can start at a young age and progress slowly. It may not cause any symptoms until the arteries are narrow enough to reduce blood flow to the brain. This condition is also referred to as atherosclerosis, stenosis or hardening of the arteries.

The first symptoms may occur during a temporary blockage of blood flow to the brain, also known as a transient ischemic attack or a stroke. Symptoms can include:

• Confusion
• Headache
• Dizziness or fainting
• Unclear or slurred speech
• Temporary blurred vision or vision loss
• Clumsiness or poor coordination
• Numbness in the face, arm or leg
• Sudden weakness on one side of the body
• Paralysis, or suddenly being unable to move an arm, leg, or one side of the body

After discussing your symptoms and conducting a physical exam, your specialist will recommend tests and exams to gather information about the blood vessels and tissues in your brain. Next steps may include:

• Transcranial Doppler ultrasound
• Cerebral angiogram
• CTA or CT
• MRA or MRI

There are several risk factors for intracranial atherosclerotic disease, including:

• Age
• Smoking
• Diabetes
• Obesity
• Lack of exercise
• High-fat or high-cholesterol diet
• Family history and genetic factors
• High blood pressure (hypertension)
• Elevated fats in the blood (hyperlipidemia)
• Excessive alcohol consumption

Depending on your results, we will develop a personalized treatment plan to help address your symptoms and improve your future health.

Our team of specialists will develop a personalized care plan based on the degree of your blockage, symptoms and overall health. Treatments may include: 

• Cerebral angioplasty and stenting 
• Cerebral artery bypass surgery