How is vasculitis of the brain diagnosed?

How is vasculitis of the brain diagnosed?

Diagnosis. CNS vasculitis is often diagnosed through: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan of the brain with contrast. Magnetic resonance (MR) or computed tomography (CT) angiography.

What type of vasculitis affects the brain?

CNS vasculitis is a serious condition. The inflamed vessel wall can block the flow of oxygen to the brain, causing a loss of brain function and ultimately strokes. In some cases, CNS vasculitis is life-threatening. It’s important to get treatment for this condition.

How is brain vasculitis treated?

CNS vasculitis is typically treated with a high-dose corticosteroid, such as prednisone, to reduce inflammation. For more severe cases, prednisone is used in combination with drugs that suppress the immune system’s response, such as cyclophosphamide, mycophenolate mofetil or azathioprine.

What is the treatment for vasculitis of the brain?

What kind of doctor treats vasculitis?

Specialists who treat vasculitis include:

  • Joint and autoimmune disease doctors (rheumatologists)
  • Brain and nervous system doctors (neurologists)
  • Eye doctors (ophthalmologists)
  • Heart doctors (cardiologists)
  • Kidney doctors (nephrologists)
  • Lung doctors (pulmonologists)
  • Skin doctors (dermatologists)

Can vasculitis cause memory loss?

What are the symptoms of CNS vasculitis? You may notice severe long-lasting headaches, memory loss or confusion, weakness, numbness, eyesight problems or dizziness. Your friends or family may notice changes in your personality. Seizures can occur and in rare cases coma.

How serious is vasculitis?

Vasculitis can be serious. When your blood vessel becomes weak, it might stretch and bulge (called an aneurysm). It might also burst open, causing bleeding. This can be life-threatening but is very rare.

Is vasculitis a critical illness?

Can vasculitis be fatal? In some cases of severe disease if not diagnosed early and not treated correctly. With early diagnosis and appropriate treatment vasculitis is now rarely fatal. Many milder cases may cause damage to organs or discomfort but are not life-threatening.

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