Fact 7: Cerebrovascular Disease Can Lead to Various Complications
Cerebrovascular disease can result in several complications, depending on the severity of the disease and the area of the brain affected. The most common complication, of course, is stroke. Strokes can lead to long-term disability and are a leading cause of death worldwide.
After a stroke, many individuals experience residual effects, which can range from mild to severe. These can include muscle weakness or paralysis, difficulties with speech or swallowing, memory loss, and changes in behavior or personality.
Another potential complication is vascular dementia, a decline in thinking skills caused by conditions that block or reduce blood flow to the brain. This can lead to symptoms such as confusion, disorientation, and trouble concentrating.
Brain aneurysms are another concern. While many aneurysms don’t rupture, a ruptured aneurysm can lead to a subarachnoid hemorrhage, a type of stroke caused by bleeding into the space around the brain. (7)
