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Vascular disorders that can lead to nervous system problems

Vascular disorders affect the supply of blood to the brain, spinal cord, or blood vessels in the head. Examples of vascular disorders that can lead to nervous system problems include:

High blood pressure (hypertensive encephalopathy).
Lack of blood supply (stroke or TIA).
Bleeding around the brain (subarachnoid hemorrhage).
A bulging, weak area in the wall of an artery that supplies blood to the brain (cerebral aneurysm).
Bleeding into the brain tissue (intracranial hemorrhage).
A problem present since birth (congenital) that causes an abnormal web of blood vessels and veins in the brain, brain stem, or spinal cord (arteriovenous or A-V malformation). The vessel walls of an A-V malformation may become weak and leak or rupture.
Inflammation of blood vessels, such as lupus or giant cell arteritis.

By	Healthwise Staff
Primary Medical Reviewer	William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine
Primary Medical Reviewer	Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer	H. Michael O'Connor, MD - Emergency Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer	Steven L. Schneider, MD - Family Medicine
Last Revised	October 12, 2009

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: October 12, 2009

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information.