Extracranial Carotid And Vertebral Artery Disease: Contemporary Management

Extracranial Carotid and Vertebral Artery Disease: Contemporary Management

by Theodore P. Druch

4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	40116 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	620 pages
Paperback	:	80 pages
Item Weight	:	5.4 ounces
Dimensions	:	5.5 x 0.19 x 8.5 inches

FREE

Extracranial carotid and vertebral artery disease (ECVAD) is a common cause of stroke. It is estimated that ECVAD affects up to 2% of the population, and the risk of stroke increases with age. The most common type of ECVAD is atherosclerosis, which is a build-up of plaque in the arteries. Plaque can narrow the arteries and reduce blood flow to the brain. Other causes of ECVAD include dissection, trauma, and inflammation.

Symptoms

The symptoms of ECVAD can vary depending on the severity of the disease. Some people may experience no symptoms at all, while others may have mild symptoms such as dizziness, lightheadedness, or weakness on one side of the body. More severe symptoms may include transient ischemic attacks (TIAs),which are brief episodes of stroke-like symptoms that typically resolve within 24 hours. TIAs are a warning sign that a stroke is imminent, and should be evaluated by a doctor immediately.

Diagnosis

ECVAD is diagnosed based on a physical examination and a variety of imaging tests. These tests may include:

• Carotid ultrasound: This test uses sound waves to create images of the carotid arteries in the neck.
• Vertebral artery ultrasound: This test uses sound waves to create images of the vertebral arteries in the neck.
• Magnetic resonance angiography (MRA): This test uses magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to create images of the arteries in the head and neck.
• Computed tomography angiography (CTA): This test uses computed tomography (CT) to create images of the arteries in the head and neck.

Treatment

The treatment for ECVAD depends on the severity of the disease and the patient's overall health. Treatment options may include:

• Medical management: This includes lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking, eating a healthy diet, and exercising regularly. Medications may also be prescribed to lower blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels.
• Carotid endarterectomy: This is a surgical procedure to remove plaque from the carotid arteries. Carotid endarterectomy is typically performed when the carotid arteries are severely narrowed.
• Vertebral artery angioplasty and stenting: This is a minimally invasive procedure to widen the vertebral arteries and improve blood flow to the brain. Vertebral artery angioplasty and stenting is typically performed when the vertebral arteries are narrowed or blocked.

Risk Factor Modification

The best way to prevent ECVAD is to modify risk factors. Risk factors for ECVAD include:

• Smoking
• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• Diabetes
• Obesity
• Atrial fibrillation

By modifying these risk factors, you can reduce your risk of developing ECVAD and stroke.

ECVAD is a common cause of stroke. The symptoms of ECVAD can vary depending on the severity of the disease. Diagnosis is based on a physical examination and a variety of imaging tests. Treatment options may include medical management, carotid endarterectomy, and vertebral artery angioplasty and stenting. Risk factor modification is the best way to prevent ECVAD.

If you are concerned about your risk of ECVAD, talk to your doctor. Your doctor can assess your risk factors and recommend lifestyle changes or medications to help reduce your risk of developing ECVAD.

Extracranial Carotid and Vertebral Artery Disease: Contemporary Management

by Theodore P. Druch

4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	40116 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	620 pages
Paperback	:	80 pages
Item Weight	:	5.4 ounces
Dimensions	:	5.5 x 0.19 x 8.5 inches

FREE