What is Cerebrovascular Disease?
The source of epilepsy is the electrical circuits in the brain. Abnormal electrical events in the brain can cause seizures of different kinds. Epilepsy can occur due to multiple reasons including complications during birth of the baby, brain injury, stroke, brain tumours, brain infections, and abnormal development of brain can be the main cause for epilepsy, although the exact reason may remain unknown in many of the cases. Epilepsy can sometimes be related to genetic factors as well.
Epilepsy symptoms can vary according to type of seizures. A focal seizure may originate from a specific part of the brain and will manifest accordingly. A big seizure or generalised seizure is the most common type of recognised seizures. However various other types include transient confusional state, state of starring look with unresponsiveness, some abnormal movements like chewing type, swallowing, rubbing hands or speaking abnormally for a very brief period. Some of the seizures may have just up rolling of eyes with head and eyes going to one side and may have twisting of either arms or hands.
Untreated seizures can have serious results and cause harm especially related to fall and injuries to various body parts.
The common understanding and public perception regarding epilepsy is often a greater challenge than the seizures itself. Lack of awareness in general public, schools and various organizations leads to stigma of epilepsy. A person with epilepsy should be able to disclose about epilepsy in a healthy and comfortable environment including school, colleges and working places.
Symptoms
- A severe and sudden headache
- Paralysis of one side of the body, or hemiplegia
- Weakness on one side, also known as hemiparesis
- Confusion
- Losing vision on one side
- Difficult communicating, including slurred speech
- Loss of balance
- Becoming unconscious
Risk Factors
- Hypertension
- Smoking
- Obesity
- Poor diet and lack of exercise
- Diabetes
- Blood cholesterol levels of 240 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dl) or higher
- Moyamoya Disease
- Venous Angiomas
- A vein of Galen malformation
Prevention
To reduce the risk of cerebrovascular disease, the following methods must be adapted:
- Get at least 15 minutes of moderate to intense physical exercise every week.
- Eat a balanced diet
- Maintain a healthy body weight
- Manage blood cholesterol and blood pressure
How is it diagnosed?
The specialist will look for specific neurological, motor, and sensory difficulties, including:
- Change in vision
- Reduces or altered reflexes
- abnormal eye movements
- muscle weakness
- Carotid Angiogram
- CAT Scan
- MRI Scan
- vertebral angiogram
- Electrocardiogram
- cerebral Angiography
How is it treated?
A neurosurgeon must evaluate an individual who has a brain hemorrhage. They may carry out surgery to reduce the increased pressure that a bleed causes.
When do I contact the doctor?