Common Symptoms of Cerebrovascular Stenosis

Cerebrovascular stenosis, or the narrowing of blood vessels in the brain, can present a range of symptoms depending on the severity and location of the narrowing. In mild cases, individuals may experience no symptoms at all. However, when the narrowing becomes more pronounced, particularly in older adults, symptoms such as dizziness and a feeling of pressure or heaviness in the head may occur. These are often signs of reduced blood flow to the brain.

Symptoms Based on Location of Stenosis

One of the key factors influencing symptoms is the specific location of the narrowed vessel. For example, stenosis in the middle cerebral artery can lead to impaired blood flow in the area it supplies, potentially causing contralateral hemiparesis—weakness or paralysis on one side of the body—along with sensory disturbances. In more severe cases, visual field defects such as hemianopia, or loss of part of the visual field, may also occur.

Vertebrobasilar Insufficiency and Its Effects

When stenosis affects the vertebrobasilar system, it can lead to reduced blood flow to the brainstem and cerebellum. This often results in symptoms like dizziness, vertigo, nausea, vomiting, difficulty maintaining balance, and reduced muscle tone. These signs are typically associated with impaired coordination and motor control due to lack of adequate blood supply to critical areas of the brain responsible for these functions.

Severe Cases and Potential Complications

In more extreme cases, severe stenosis or complete occlusion of the basilar artery can result in altered consciousness and even quadriplegia. The severity of symptoms is generally correlated with the degree of narrowing and the brain regions affected. Interestingly, some individuals may have completely blocked arteries without experiencing noticeable symptoms. This is often due to the presence of a robust collateral circulation—smaller blood vessels that compensate by rerouting blood flow around the blockage and maintaining adequate supply to the affected brain tissue.

Importance of Early Detection

Because symptoms can vary widely and may be subtle in some cases, early detection through medical imaging and vascular screening is crucial, especially for those at higher risk, such as older adults or individuals with a history of stroke or cardiovascular disease. Recognizing the warning signs and seeking timely medical evaluation can significantly reduce the risk of serious complications such as stroke or permanent neurological damage.