Arteries in the Brain: What You Need to Know About Intracranial Angioplasty

The brain relies on two carotid arteries on each side of the neck for its vital blood supply. However, blockage or narrowing (intracranial stenosis) in either artery can severely disrupt blood flow and oxygen to the brain, leading to devastating consequences, including stroke and cognitive impairment. As stroke is the leading cause of fatality and disability, it needs prompt medical intervention. In recent years, stroke treatment has been advanced and swift with minimally invasive procedures like intracranial angioplasty. This procedure has emerged as an effective alternative to traditional carotid endarterectomy surgery. Read on to learn about the intracranial angioplasty procedure, analysing its benefits, risks, and key considerations to help you steer through treatment options and protect your brain health.

Understanding Clogged Arteries

Atherosclerosis is characterised by plaque build-up (fatty deposits, cholesterol, calcium, and other substances) inside the arterial walls. This accumulation causes hardening and narrowing of the arteries, obstructing the blood flow to the heart, brain, or limbs. A study examining 100 cadaver specimens (ages 17-63) found that 86% showed atherosclerotic changes in coronary arteries, indicating a high prevalence and widespread nature of atherosclerosis in India. While mild atherosclerosis is asymptomatic, moderate or severe cases can cause symptoms such as chest pain, numbness/weakness in your arms/legs, facial drooping, slurred speech, leg pain, kidney failure, etc.

How Can Clogged Arteries in the Brain Lead to Stroke?

A clogged artery in the brain disrupts blood flow, starving brain tissue of essential oxygen and nutrients. Typically, a blood clot triggers the blockage, but sometimes, artery narrowing (stenosis) restricts blood flow. Stenosis occurs due to the cumulative build-up of blood clots and plaque, hindering blood supply to the brain and thus resulting in stroke.

Types of Stroke and Their Symptoms

Stroke falls into two categories depending on what is causing it, which include:

• Ischemic Stroke - Caused by blood clots or plaque blocking brain arteries.
• Hemorrhagic Stroke - Caused by ruptured blood vessels in the brain.

Common stroke symptoms include:

• Sudden severe headache
• Vomiting
• Confusion
• Weakness, numbness, or paralysis
• Vision changes
• Difficulty swallowing
• Sudden weakness/numbness in the face, arm, or leg
• Dizziness, loss of balance, or coordination
• Slurred speech
• Seizures
• Neck stiffness
• Memory loss

What Is Intracranial Angioplasty?

Intracranial angioplasty is a minimally invasive procedure that uses a catheter to widen a narrowed or blocked artery in the brain and involves placing a stent to keep the artery open. This procedure addresses intracranial stenosis and atherosclerosis, improving blood flow to brain tissue and reducing the risk of stroke and other cognitive conditions.

The Intracranial Angioplasty Procedure

This minimally invasive medical procedure intends to restore the blood flow involves the following steps:

Pre-Procedural Preparation

Before the procedure, you will be instructed to:

• Undergo imaging tests, like MRI or CT scans, angiography, or ultrasound, to detect narrowed arteries.
• Avoid taking certain medicines, such as blood thinners, diabetes medication, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
• Come with a friend or family member to drive you home.

During the Procedure

Your surgeon will shave the procedure site (groin) and thoroughly clean it with a sterile solution. After that, local anaesthesia will be injected to numb the area, and then your surgeon will perform the following steps:

• Catheterisation: Involves inserting a catheter (thin, flexible tube) into an artery in the groin. From there, it passes through the bloodstream to the narrowed artery in the brain using X-ray imaging.
• Angioplasty: Involves attaching a small balloon to the catheter, which is inflated in the narrowed area. This squeezes the plaque and expands the artery to enhance blood flow.
• Stenting (optional): A Stent is an expandable metal mesh tube that will be placed in the artery to keep it open and prevent future clogs if necessary.

After the Procedure

Following the procedure, you:

• Should lie still for some hours to prevent bleeding from the procedure site.
• Will be discharged within 24 hours.
• May experience swelling, tenderness, and bruising at the procedure site for a few days
• Must avoid heavy lifting and strenuous activity for a day.

Benefits of Intracranial Angioplasty

The primary benefits of intracranial angioplasty are:

• Improved Blood Flow to the Brain - Restores adequate blood supply, enhancing cognitive function and reducing neurological deficits.
• Stroke Prevention - By ensuring uninterrupted blood flow, angioplasty lowers the likelihood of stroke and potential consequences.

Besides, due to its minimally invasive nature, intracranial angioplasty offers other benefits, such as:

• Minimal trauma and scarring
• Faster recovery
• Decreased risk of infection, bleeding, and other surgical complications
• No hospitalisation required

Risks and Complications of Intracranial Angioplasty

While intracranial angioplasty offers numerous benefits, it may present some risks, including:

• Bleeding in the brain or groin
• Rare risk of stroke resulting from blood clots or dislodged plaque fragments
• Allergies to the contrast dye used in imaging procedures

Take Away

Intracranial angioplasty offers hope for those with clogged brain arteries, reducing stroke risk and alleviating symptoms. This minimally invasive procedure includes benefits like faster recovery and fewer complications. If you are concerned about clogged brain arteries or experiencing symptoms, consult your doctor about intracranial angioplasty as a treatment option.  Based on your condition, your healthcare provider can help identify if this procedure aligns with your unique needs, providing a path towards improved brain health and reduced stroke risk.

Resolve Clogged Arteries with Intracranial Angioplasty at B & J Superspeciality Hospital

Having an arterial blockage or facing a stroke diagnosis can be daunting, but you are not alone. B & J Superspeciality Hospital offers a comprehensive intracranial angioplasty procedure for vascular blockage, restoring blood flow and reducing risk. Along with state-of-the-art treatment, our experienced neurologists provide personalised support and compassionate guidance throughout your recovery. Contact us today to receive the best possible treatment and care for clogged arteries.