Cerebral arteriosclerosis is a blockage of the arteries in the brain that occurs as a result of thickening and hardening of the artery walls. It is one of the causes of stroke and can also produce aneurysms. Symptoms include headache, facial pain, or impaired vision. Treatment for cerebral arteriosclerosis may include medications or surgery. Physicians also may recommend treatments to control high blood pressure, withdraw from cigarette smoking, and reduce cholesterol levels, all of which are risk factors for cerebral arteriosclerosis.
Cerebral arteriosclerosis can lead to stroke and brain hemorrhage.
Both conditions can be life threatening. Survivors of stroke and hemorrhage may have long-term neurological and motor impairments. Much of this research is aimed at finding ways to prevent and treat these conditions. National Institutes of Health Bldg. This fact sheet is in the public domain.