How to detect insufficient blood supply to the brain
Disease description:
I have been experiencing frequent dizziness lately, so I went to the hospital for a medical checkup. The doctor diagnosed me with insufficient cerebral blood supply and recommended further diagnostic tests. I would like to ask, how is insufficient cerebral blood supply diagnosed?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Lv Zhiqin
Cerebral hypoperfusion, also known as cerebral ischemia, refers to reduced blood supply to the brain, which may affect brain function. There are various methods for detecting cerebral hypoperfusion, typically requiring a comprehensive evaluation combining clinical symptoms, physical signs, and auxiliary examinations. The following are the main methods for detecting cerebral hypoperfusion:
1. Ultrasound examination: This includes cervical vascular ultrasound and transcranial Doppler (TCD) examination. These tests can assess cerebral vessel diameter, blood flow velocity, presence of plaques within the vessels, and plaque stability or instability. Cervical vascular ultrasound can also observe blood flow in the carotid and vertebral arteries, helping evaluate for stenosis or occlusion.
2. CT and MRI scans: CTA (CT angiography) and MRA (MR angiography) use contrast agents or magnetic resonance technology to visualize cerebral vessels, thereby assessing vascular condition, morphology, and degree of stenosis. These tests are valuable for identifying vascular abnormalities and diagnosing cerebral hypoperfusion.
3. DSA (Digital Subtraction Angiography): This is a minimally invasive and highly accurate diagnostic method that directly visualizes detailed cerebral vascular conditions, including vessel diameter, plaque presence, stenosis, and compensatory blood supply.
4. Electrocardiogram (ECG) and echocardiography: These are used to rule out cardiac diseases as potential causes of cerebral hypoperfusion, evaluating for cardiac abnormalities such as arrhythmias, coronary artery disease, cardiomyopathy, and heart failure.
5. Blood tests: Including complete blood count, hemorheology, lipid profile, blood glucose, and renal function tests, which help identify risk factors contributing to cerebral hypoperfusion.
6. Neurological examination and overall health assessment: A comprehensive evaluation of the patient's cerebrovascular status to identify other potential factors contributing to cerebral hypoperfusion.
