This week's meeting of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons in San Francisco had extensive presentations on the management and investigation of cerebrovascular disease.
Cerebrovascular disease is one of the most devastating yet misunderstood epidemics of our time.
Before reviewing the stroke presentations, it is important to understand how stroke occurs, what symptoms it may cause and how it is treated. When there is an abrupt interruption in the constant flow of blood to the brain, an abrupt loss of neurologic function may simultaneously occur. Blood vessels may break open and leak blood into the brain producing a hemorrhagic stroke. Alternatively, blood vessels may become plugged by clots originating outside the cranium, or within the brain's own blood vessels. The strokes caused by plugs are called ischemic strokes, meaning that no blood can get to the damaged tissue.