Overview

Intracranial stenosis or intracranial artery stenosis is characterized by the narrowing of an artery or plaque buildup (atherosclerosis) in the small blood vessels in the brain. Stenosis can restrict the blood flow to the brain, increasing the risk of a stroke. If the stroke is severe enough, it can cause loss of function, paralysis to the body part controlled by the damaged brain area, and even death in some cases.

Arteries, where stenosis may occur, are the internal carotid artery, middle cerebral artery, basilar artery, and vertebral artery in the head and neck.

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    Symptoms

    Given below are some of the most commonly observed symptoms of Intracranial Stenosis:

    • Facial weakness and numbness, especially on one side
    • Numbness, weakness, tingling in leg and arm
    • Loss of vision and memory
    • Slurred Speach
    • Severe headache
    • Trouble walking and loss of balance
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    Diagnosis

    Stenosis is usually noticed after the stroke has occurred. A doctor may explore your medical history and perform a physical exam. He/she may also order some imaging tests such as Computed Tomography (CT), Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), or Cerebral Angiography to determine the narrowing of the arteries and have a clear visual of the blood obstruction to make an accurate diagnosis.

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    Treatment

    Treatment of Intracranial Stenosis depends on how narrow the artery is and whether these are blocking the blood flow to cause a stroke. If symptoms are mild, your doctor may prescribe medicine to thin blood or control blood cholesterol. However, in severe cases when there is a high risk of stroke, surgery is the best option to remove blockade or plaque from inside the artery. The surgical options include:

    • Angioplasty and stent placement
    • Cerebral Artery Bypass

    Why Choose Us?

    Here, at Southern California Brain & Spine Surgery Center, we are the leading resource for treating brain-related health emergencies in Los Angeles. We offer:

    1.

    Advanced diagnostic methods

    2.

    State-of-the-art technology

    3.

    Minimally Invasive Surgery

    4.

    Patient-centered approach

    5.

    Recovery with less downtime

    6.

    Outstanding patient care

    For more information call us at 213-369-4583 or visit our office in Los Angeles today!

    Frequently Asked Questions

    A spine surgeon standing with both arms folded
    What are the risk factors for Intracranial Stenosis?
    A:

    Intracranial Stenosis is more likely to occur in people with high blood pressure, obesity, high cholesterol, diabetes, and people who smoke a lot.

    What if Intracranial Stenosis is left untreated?
    A:

    If Intracranial Stenosis is left untreated, it can cause further narrowing of arteries —increasing a person’s chance of having a stroke and brain damage.