What Is Small Vein Disease In The Brain?

So much focus is placed on raising awareness about how heart disease can damage the veins around near the heart that a very similar problem is often overlooked or ignored. Small vein disease in the brain, or cerebral small vessel disease (SVD) as it is called, is a vascular disease that can result in severe and life-altering problems.

Learning more about SVD can help you determine whether or not you are at risk for developing this vascular disease. Once you determine your risk factor, you do various things, such as managing certain health problems or getting varicose vein treatment, that will help you try and prevent problems from arising as a result of this vein disease.

What is Cerebral Small Vein Disease?

Cerebral small vessel disease, or SVD, is a generalized term that healthcare providers use to describe any changes that occur to the tiny blood vessels located in and around the brain. Changes to the blood vessels in the brain can be a result of small strokes, tiny bleeds, or natural differences in size or shape that are only noticeable on MRIs.

There are a number of reasons why the blood vessels in the brain change. The most common reason is because of the development of plaque. The blood vessels and veins in the brain are just as susceptible to plaque buildup, chronic inflammation, and damage as the vessels and veins near the heart. When plaque builds up, damage occurs, or inflammation happens, it can dramatically affect the blood flow to the brain.

If the flow of blood to the brain is stopped or slowed down, it can result in a number of problems ranging from balance and mobility issues to cognitive decline and even severe strokes. Problems often do not occur in mild cases of cerebral small vessel disease. It isn’t until the cases are considered moderate or severe that problems become noticeable.

How to Prevent Cerebral Small Vessel Disease

The best, and most promising, way to prevent cerebral small vessel disease is to manage any health problems, such as high blood pressure or diabetes, you may have that can cause plaque buildup or inflammation to the veins. Managing these health problems can reduce your risk of experiencing small vessel disease of the brain.

Typically, if you have vein disease in one part of the body, such as the brain, you could have it in other parts of the body like your legs or near your heart. If you have been recently diagnosed with small vein disease in the brain, you may want to consider making an appointment at a local Cincinnati vein treatment clinic such as Vascular & Interventional Associates Vein Center.

Visit the website of Vascular & Interventional Associates Vein Center to schedule an appointment, learn more about treatment options, and to see before & after photos of various vein treatment procedures that are performed at the clinic.