What is angiopathy?
Cerebral amyloid angiopathy or vascular angiopathy is a neurological pathology characterized by the accumulation of amyloid proteins in the walls of cerebral vessels, leading to an increased risk of stroke. Clinically, this disease manifests itself when the affected vessel ruptures, leading to ischemia of the brain tissue surrounded by it.
Prognosis of the disease
The pathology worsens slowly and may develop complications such as dementia, seizures or bleeding episodes of the brain.
Angiopathy is a difficult disease to diagnose.
Symptoms of angiopathy
Angiopathy can cause bleeding in the brain, especially in the outer parts of the brain and in the shallow areas. Symptoms usually occur because brain tissue is damaged by the brain. The symptoms produced by bleeding depend on the affected part, but the most common are:
- Drowsiness
- Headaches
- Double or reduced vision
- Difficulty speaking
- Muscle weakness
Currently, there is no cure for this condition, so treatment should basically be aimed at reducing symptoms.
Medical tests for angiopathy
Angiopathy is difficult to diagnose without a sample of brain tissue. However, some symptoms may be present, so the specialist will be able to assess whether it is this pathology on the basis of some tests. First a physical examination is performed and then imaging tests such as a CT scan, MRI, MRA or PET scan may be performed.
What are the causes of angiopathy?
The causes of this pathology are unknown. Sometimes it can be transmitted from parents to children, i.e. it can be a hereditary pathology. However, there have also been cases in which this disease develops at an advanced age, especially in people over 55 years of age.
Can it be prevented?
Prevention consists of adopting preventive measures such as, for example:
- Following a varied and low-fat diet
- Stop smoking and drinking alcohol
- Performing moderate cardiovascular exercise
Treatments for angiopathy
There is no known effective treatment, but there are symptomatic treatments, i.e. to alleviate the symptoms. For cases in which muscle weakness is present, treatment may include physical therapy, occupational therapy, or speech therapy. Medications for memory and possible seizures may also be administered.
What specialist treats you?
The specialist who treats this pathology is the vascular surgeon.