Intracranial Vascular Disease
Intracranial Vascular Disease:
At a Glance
What it is: Intracranial vascular disease refers to narrowing, blockages, or problems in the blood vessels of the brain.
How it affects people: It may cause headaches, dizziness, or symptoms like a stroke. In some cases, there are no warning signs until a complication happens.
Key concern: Reduced blood flow increases the risk of stroke or brain haemorrhage.
Diagnosis: Typically identified through scans such as CT or magnetic resonance imaging.
Treatment options: May include lifestyle management, medication, or surgery depending on the type and severity.
Outlook: Many people live well with intracranial vascular disease. Early diagnosis and treatment give patients the best outcomes.
What is a Intracranial Vascular Disease?
Intracranial vascular disease is a type of vascular disease. More specifically, it is a cerebrovascular disease that affects the vessels in the brain. The most common form is narrowing or hardening of the arteries, called intracranial atherosclerosis in the brain. This reduces blood flow and increases the risk of stroke.
Types of Intracranial Vascular Disease
Intracranial atherosclerosis: Narrowing of the arteries because of plaque build-up.
Cerebral artery stenosis: Severe narrowing that may block blood supply.
Symptoms of Intracranial Vascular Disease
Common symptoms
Symptoms depend on which arteries and veins are affected and how much blood reaches the brain.
Weakness or numbness in the face, arms, or legs
Speech or language difficulties
Dizziness
Blurred or double vision
Headache
Emergency / red flag symptoms
Weakness or paralysis on one side of the body
Sudden loss of vision or speech
Loss of consciousness
Sudden severe headache
Call 999 immediately if you experience these symptoms.
Causes and Who Is at Risk
Intracranial vascular disease is most often caused by intracranial atherosclerosis, where fatty deposits build up in the arteries. Other causes and risk factors include:
Blood clots (thrombosis or embolism) restricting blood flow
High blood pressure damaging artery walls
Diabetes and high cholesterol
Carotid artery disease, where narrowing in the carotid arteries reduces flow into the brain
Smoking and sedentary lifestyle
Rarely, inflammation of the blood vessels (vasculitis)
Other health problems can also raise the likelihood of developing intracranial vascular disease. Diabetes and high cholesterol contribute to the build-up of fatty deposits inside blood vessels. Obesity can make high blood pressure and circulation problems worse. People with inflammatory or autoimmune conditions may also face higher risks because long-term inflammation can weaken artery walls. Recognising these links helps doctors tailor advice for each patient.
Health and Family Factors You Can’t Change
Age (risk increases over 50)
Family history of stroke or vascular disease
Being male (slightly higher risk)
Ethnic background (more common in certain groups)
Having risk factors does not mean you will definitely develop intracranial vascular disease.
Reducing Your Risk
You cannot always prevent intracranial vascular disease, but you can reduce the risk by:
Controlling high blood pressure and cholesterol
Maintaining a healthy weight
Exercising regularly
Stopping smoking
Having regular check-ups if you are at increased risk
Getting a Diagnosis
An accurate intracranial vascular disease diagnosis involves a combination of medical assessment and imaging.
MRI scan (magnetic resonance imaging): Provides detailed views of blood vessels and surrounding brain tissue.
CT scan: Often performed in an emergency situation to identify bleeding in the brain or evidence of stroke.
Cerebral angiography: A precise test using dye and X-ray to assess blood flow.
Patients often want to know what these scans involve. An MRI or CT scan is straightforward and usually takes less than an hour. For a cerebral angiogram, contrast dye is gently injected into the arteries so doctors can see blood flow in detail on X-ray images. Although this test is more invasive, it gives vital information that guides safe and effective treatment planning.
Treatment Options Intracranial Vascular Disease
Intracranial vascular disease treatment options vary depending on severity and size and location of the affected vessel:
Lifestyle Management
Stopping smoking, exercising, and following a healthy diet.
Medication
To control high blood pressure, cholesterol, or prevent clotting.
Surgery or Intervention
In rare situations bypass surgery or stenting can improve blood flow to the brain.
Specialist input is vital. Mr Kailaya-Vasan is a highly experienced neurovascular surgery specialist in the UK. He provides advanced care for patients with complex conditions affecting the brain and spinal cord. He collaborates closely with colleagues in neuroradiology and stroke medicine to ensure patients receive the safest, most effective treatment.
Living with Intracranial Vascular Disease
With proper treatment and lifestyle changes, many patients live well despite this condition. Ongoing monitoring helps reduce the likelihood of complications.
Treatment for cerebrovascular disease is most effective when tailored to each patient. Under the care of a skilled neurosurgeon, patients receive long-term monitoring and treatment. This care helps keep blood flowing to the brain and reduces the risk of stroke.
Managing the condition does not stop after treatment. Regular follow-up appointments are important to check blood pressure, cholesterol, and circulation. Doctors often encourage small lifestyle changes such as eating more whole foods, walking daily, and avoiding smoking. Emotional wellbeing also plays a role. Support groups and education sessions help patients feel confident about managing their long-term health.
Book a consultation with Mr Ahilan Kailaya-Vasan
Receive a clear diagnosis and a tailored treatment plan from a leading consultant neurosurgeon. Appointments are available at top London hospitals, with remote options for international patients.
Seeking a second opinion?
If you have already received a diagnosis elsewhere, Mr Kailaya-Vasan can provide an independent review of your scans and medical notes, and explain the safest and most effective next steps.
FAQs about Intracranial Vascular Disease
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Early signs may include dizziness, headaches, or mild weakness. Symptoms often depend on the flow to the brain, so even subtle changes should be taken seriously.
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No, surgery is only needed in rare cases. Many patients are treated with medication and lifestyle changes. Surgery is only needed in severe cases or when there is a high risk of stroke.
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It is usually diagnosed using magnetic resonance imaging or other scans that assess vessels in the brain and overall blood supply.
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Recovery depends on the treatment approach. Medical therapy often involves ongoing monitoring, while surgical intervention may require rehabilitation to restore strength and protect blood flow.
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Patients should seek an experienced brain specialist. Mr Ahilan Kailaya-Vasan is widely regarded as one of the best neurosurgeons in London for intracranial vascular disease, specialising in neurovascular and cranial surgery.
If you have any further questions, please get in touch.