Ischemic Cerebrovascular Disease: Common Clinical Manifestations

Ischemic cerebrovascular disease refers to a group of conditions caused by reduced blood flow to the brain, leading to neurological deficits. The specific clinical symptoms largely depend on the location and severity of the ischemic event. Below are the most commonly observed symptoms associated with this condition.

Visual Disturbances

One of the early warning signs of ischemic cerebrovascular disease can be visual impairment. Patients may experience temporary vision loss, often described as a dark spot or curtain in the visual field. There may also be a noticeable decrease in light perception, which can affect one or both eyes. These symptoms typically occur suddenly and may last for a few minutes to several hours.

Motor and Sensory Symptoms

Unilateral Weakness or Numbness

Many patients experience sudden weakness or numbness on one side of the body, particularly affecting the face, arm, or leg. This may be accompanied by dizziness, loss of balance, or sudden falls without loss of consciousness. In more severe cases, individuals may develop coordination problems, double vision, or loss of vision in one half of the visual field (hemianopia).

Speech and Cognitive Impairments

In older adults, acute episodes of speech disturbance are common. Symptoms may include slurred speech, difficulty understanding language, or inappropriate responses to questions. These signs are often alarming and require immediate medical attention to rule out stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA).

Additional Neurological Symptoms

When the posterior circulation of the brain is affected, patients may experience persistent dizziness, vertigo, or a feeling of mental fogginess. Cognitive decline can also occur, including memory loss, difficulty concentrating, and impaired recognition of familiar objects or people. These symptoms may be subtle at first but can progressively worsen if not addressed promptly.

Facial Paralysis and Drooling

In some cases, patients may exhibit facial drooping or asymmetry, especially on one side of the face. This can lead to drooling and difficulty controlling facial muscles, which may be mistaken for other neurological or muscular conditions if not properly evaluated.