What is brain vasculitis?

cerebral vasculitis is also commonly referred to as vasculitis of the central nervous system (CNS) . Vasculitis means that the blood vessels are inflamed. In brain vasculitis, the affected blood vessels are limited to the spinal cord and brain. This condition is rare but potentially life -threatening.

There are two wide categories of CNS vasculitis. It can be considered primary, also known as primary angiitis of the central nervous system (PACNS), or can be secondary. Vasculitis CNS may be associated with another disease, or it may be a reaction to medicines such as cocaine, amphetamines or free -the -counter cold. Cerebral vasculitis is classified as primary when it cannot cause any other existing diseases. Primary vasculitis CNS is rarer than secondary. When the condition causes blocking or reducing blood flow to bdéště, patients experience symptoms similar to stroke. Symptoms can also mimic symptoms of atherosclerosis, multiple sclerosis or ufree blood clots. These symptoms may cyclically increase and reduce for weeks or months. They may also lose a function in a leg or arm. Patients often experience serious headaches that cannot be easily relaxed. Some patients with cerebral vasculitis may have memory loss, confusion and problems with control of bladder and intestines.

brain vasculitis is often difficult to diagnose and may require a test battery. Doctors can use computer tomography scan (CT) and magnetic resonance scanning (MRI). Spinal tap or cerebrospinal fluid analysis may also point to a possible neurological disease. Further testys will be needed to confirm the diagnostics if the CNS is suspected.

patients who may have brain vasculitis can undergo brain biopsy in which the surgeon takes a small sample of brain tissue for analysis. This procedure with pIt equals while the patient is unconscious under general anesthesia. While brain biopsy is a serious procedure, it may be to save life if the patient is ill.

If the biopsy confirms CNS vasculitis, the patient will have to be treated with aggressive medicinal therapy. Examples of frequently used drugs are glucocorticoids and cyclophosphamide. The patient is usually treated with these drugs for six to 12 months.

These drugs have the potential for serious side effects. Cyclophosphamide drugs may suppress the immune system, making the patient more vulnerable to infections and even cancer. Glucocorticoids can cause bone thinning, blood sugar levels and blood pressure and the risk of infections. Despite these side effects, the advantage of often outweigh risk, because brain vasculitis is often deadly when left untreated.