Stroke & Neurovascular Disorders
Neurovascular disorders, including brain aneurysms, arteriovenous malformations (AVMs), carotid artery disease, and intracranial atherosclerotic disease are conditions that affect the blood supply to the brain or spinal cord. Blockages in the arteries leading to the brain can then lead to a range of neurological problems–from a stroke to disability and even death. Neurovascular disease is a leading cause of disability in adults.
A stroke is a brain attack. It is a sudden interruption of continuous blood flow to the brain and a medical emergency. A stroke occurs when a blood vessel in the brain becomes blocked or narrowed, or when a blood vessel bursts and spills blood into the brain. Just like a heart attack, a stroke requires immediate medical attention.
Some brain cells die because they stop getting the oxygen and nutrients needed to function. Other brain cells die because they are damaged by sudden bleeding in or around the brain. Some brain cells die quickly, but many linger in a compromised or weakened state for several hours. Stroke causes permanent brain damage over minutes to hours.
If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with a neurovascular disorder or a stroke, treatment and care are available. Please visit the menu on the left to understand more about the different types of disorders and strokes, as well as symptoms, risk factors, screening and treatment options.