Cerebrovascular Conditions

When blood flow to the brain is interrupted or compromised, it can lead to a variety of cerebrovascular conditions. These conditions can range from mild to life-threatening, and early diagnosis is essential for optimal treatment outcomes.

The complex network of blood vessels in your brain is responsible for delivering vital oxygen and nutrients to your brain cells, keeping them healthy and functioning properly. Problems with blood flow can cause conditions such as stroke, brain aneurysms, and Circle of Willis anomalies.

At Tellica Imaging, we utilize advanced imaging techniques like CT scans and MRIs to visualize blockages, detect internal bleeding, and identify aneurysms. Understanding the nature and location of the problem can help your provider determine the most appropriate course of action.

Common Cerebrovascular Conditions

Cerebrovascular conditions include a range of issues affecting the blood vessels that supply the brain. Blood flow is essential for delivering oxygen and nutrients to brain cells, and any disruption can lead to impaired function or cell death.

Symptoms of cerebrovascular conditions can vary depending on the specific condition and the affected brain region.

Stroke

Strokes occur when blood flow to the brain is interrupted (ischemic stroke) or when a blood vessel in the brain ruptures (hemorrhagic stroke).

Ischemic Stroke (Blocked Blood Flow): This is the most common type of stroke, accounting for roughly 85% of cases. A blood clot can lodge in an artery supplying blood to the brain, blocking the flow of oxygen and nutrients. Brain cells deprived of oxygen begin to die within minutes, leading to brain damage and loss of function in the affected area.
Hemorrhagic Stroke (Bleeding in the Brain): This type of stroke occurs when a weakened blood vessel in the brain ruptures and bleeds into the surrounding brain tissue. The leaked blood puts pressure on brain cells, causing damage and dysfunction. Hemorrhagic strokes can also occur when an aneurysm (a bulge in a blood vessel wall) ruptures.
Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA): A TIA, often referred to as a mini-stroke, is a temporary blockage of blood flow to the brain that typically resolves within 24 hours. The symptoms of a TIA are similar to those of a stroke, however, the symptoms of a TIA go away within a short period, usually within a few minutes or hours. While a TIA itself may not cause permanent damage, it's a significant warning sign that a full-blown stroke could occur in the future.

A stroke is a medical emergency, and recognizing the signs promptly is crucial for minimizing brain damage and improving treatment outcomes. Remember the acronym FAST to identify potential stroke symptoms:

F - Face Drooping: Does one side of the face droop or feel numb?
A - Arm Weakness: Is one arm weak or numb? Can the person raise both arms equally?
S - Speech Difficulty: Is speech slurred or difficult to understand?
T - Time to Call Emergency Services: If you experience any of these symptoms, call 911 immediately.

CT scans are crucial for rapidly identifying the type of stroke and guiding treatment. MRI scans can provide further details about the extent of brain damage.

Brain Aneurysms

An aneurysms are weak bulges that form in the walls of blood vessels in the brain. These bulges can be caused by various factors, including high blood pressure, a history of smoking, and a family history of aneurysms.

Many aneurysms don't cause any symptoms and go undetected. However, the biggest concern with aneurysms is the risk of rupture.

Ruptured Aneurysm: If an aneurysm ruptures, it bleeds into the surrounding brain tissue, causing a hemorrhagic stroke. This is a life-threatening medical emergency requiring immediate medical attention. The mortality rate for ruptured aneurysms is high, highlighting the importance of early detection and treatment of unruptured aneurysms.
Unruptured Aneurysm: Even if an aneurysm hasn't ruptured, it still poses a risk of bleeding in the future. The size and location of the aneurysm determine the risk of rupture. Imaging tests like MRI scans can help identify unruptured aneurysms, allowing healthcare providers to assess the risk and recommend appropriate treatment options.

CT scans can sometimes detect aneurysms, but MRI scans offer a more detailed view and are often the preferred diagnostic tool.

Circle of Willis Anomalies

The Circle of Willis is a ring-like structure at the base of the brain formed by arteries supplying blood. It acts as a critical junction, ensuring a continuous flow of blood to different parts of the brain.

Anomalies in the Circle of Willis, such as narrowing or blockage of these arteries, can disrupt blood flow and increase the risk of stroke. Lifestyle factors like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and smoking can contribute to a narrowing of the arteries in the Circle of Willis.

Imaging tests like CT scans and MRI scans can visualize the Circle of Willis and identify any abnormalities that might be putting you at a higher risk of stroke.

Imaging Tests for Cerebrovascular Conditions

Tellica Imaging offers advanced imaging services to help diagnose and evaluate various cerebrovascular conditions. These conditions affect blood flow to the brain and can have serious consequences.

At Tellica Imaging, we prioritize your comfort throughout the imaging process. Our team of experienced technologists and board-certified radiologists ensure high-quality scans and accurate interpretations. Additionally, we offer flexible scheduling to accommodate your needs and work with most major insurance plans.

We offer advanced imaging services specifically designed to evaluate the brain and blood vessels.

Tellica Imaging’s CT Scans for Cerebrovascular Conditions

Our neurological and head CT scans provide detailed cross-sectional images of your brain, blood vessels, and skull. Here’s how CT scans can help with cerebrovascular conditions:

They can rapidly identify bleeding in the brain (hemorrhagic stroke). May show signs of ischemic stroke, although MRI is typically more detailed.
If TIA or ruptured aneurysm is suspected, CT scans can be used to rule out bleeding in the brain.
They can be used to visualize the Circle of Willis and identify any abnormalities in the blood vessels.

Tellica Imaging’s MRIs for Cerebrovascular Conditions

Our neurological and head MRI scans use magnetic fields and radio waves to create highly detailed images of your brain tissue, blood vessels, and surrounding structures. Here’s how MRI scans can help with cerebrovascular conditions:

They provide detailed images to pinpoint the location and extent of the stroke damage, aiding in treatment decisions.
They may reveal areas of the brain that did not receive sufficient blood flow during a TIA.
They help identify unruptured aneurysms by visualizing the bulge in the blood vessel wall.
They can also assess the size and location of the aneurysm for treatment planning.
They can be used to visualize the Circle of Willis and identify any abnormalities in the blood vessels.

Schedule Your Imaging Test With Tellica Imaging

Early diagnosis and treatment of cerebrovascular conditions are crucial for preventing stroke and other complications. Imaging tests like CT scans and MRIs are ideal diagnostic tools in this regard.

At Tellica Imaging, our staff is dedicated to creating a comfortable and welcoming environment for every patient. Additionally, our upfront and transparent pricing eliminates surprise bills, ensuring you can focus on your health.

Visit us at any of our convenient locations and our friendly staff will be glad to answer any questions you may have. Alternatively, call us to schedule an imaging test at any of our locations.