Intracranial atherosclerosis is hardening of the arteries that supply the brain, causing narrowing and blockage of these vessels. It is similar to hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis) elsewhere in the body such as the heart or legs. If a vessel becomes completely blocked or even severely narrowed, blood flow to part of the brain can be threatened and a stroke can occur. Each year, approximately 60,000 Americans experience intracranial atherosclerotic disease (ICAD) related strokes. Until recently, the only treatment options widely available have involved the use of drug therapies such as aspirin and blood thinners. Although these therapies work for many, they are ineffective for thousands .
The same risk factors that are associated with atherosclerosis elsewhere (such as in the vessels of the heart, causing heart attacks) are associated with intracranial atherosclerosis. They include diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and smoking.
Intracranial atherosclerosis has recently been recognized as a significant risk factor for ischemic stroke. Stroke rates with maximal medical therapy (aspirin, blood thinners) range from as low as 10% to as high as 30% per year, making intracranial atherosclerosis about four to five times more dangerous than an unruptured aneurysm or AVM.
Unfortunately, unlike atherosclerosis of the arteries leading to the brain (carotid arteries), which often causes transient ischemic attacks (TIAs or ministrokes), intracranial atherosclerosis often is only found when a major stroke occurs. For this reason, it is important to treat intracranial atherosclerosis when it is found.
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