Congenital Congenital diseases are medical conditions that are present at birth that may be associated with or inherited through genes. Examples of congenital<unk> s include arteriovenous malformations, germinal matrix hemorrhage, and CADASIL (cerebral autosomal-dominant arteriopathy with subcortical infarcts and leukoencephalopathy). Arteriovenous malformations are abnormal tangles of blood vessels. Usually, a capillary bed separates arteries from veins, which protects the veins from the higher blood pressures that occur in arteries. In arteriovenous malformations, arteries are directly connected to veins, which increases the risk of venous rupture and hemorrhage. Arteriovenous malformations in the brain have a 2–4% chance of rupture each year. However, many arteriovenous malformations go unnoticed and are asymptomatic throughout a person's lifetime. MRI demonstrating white matter changes in the brain of patients with CADASIL A germinal matrix hemorrhage is bleeding into the brain of premature infants caused by the rupture of fragile blood vessels within the germinal matrix of premature babies. The germinal matrix is a highly vascularized area within an unborn infant's brain from which brain cells, including neurons and glial cells, originate. Infants are at most risk to germinal matrix hemorrhages when they are born prematurely, before 32 weeks. The stresses exposed after birth, along with the fragile blood vessels, increase risk of hemorrhage. Signs and symptoms include flaccid weakness, seizures, abnormal posturing, or irregular respiration. CADASIL is an inherited disorder caused by mutations in the Notch 3 gene located on chromosome 19. The Notch 3 gene codes for a transmembrane protein whose function is not well-known. However, the mutation causes accumulation of this protein within small to medium-sized blood vessels. This disease often presents in early adulthood with migraines,<unk> , mood disturbances, and cognitive deterioration. MRI shows white matter changes in the brain and also signs of repeated<unk> s. The diagnosis can be confirmed by gene testing. Acquired Acquired<unk> s are those that are obtained throughout a person's life that may be preventable by controlling risk factors. The incidence of<unk>  increases as an individual ages. Causes of acquired<unk>  include atherosclerosis, embolism, aneurysms, and arterial dissections. Atherosclerosis leads to narrowing of blood vessels and less perfusion to the brain, and it also increases the risk of thrombosis, or a blockage of an artery, within the brain. Major modifiable risk factors for atherosclerosis include: Illustration of a cerebral aneurysm, demonstrating the bulge in an artery in the brain Controlling these risk factors can reduce the incidence of atherosclerosis and<unk> . Atrial fibrillation is also a major risk factor for<unk> s. Atrial fibrillation causes blood clots to form within the heart, which may travel to the arteries within the brain and cause an embolism. The embolism prevents blood flow to the brain, which leads to a<unk> . An aneurysm is an abnormal bulging of small sections of arteries, which increases the risk of artery rupture. Intracranial aneurysms are a leading cause of subarachnoid hemorrhage, or bleeding around the brain within the subarachnoid space. There are various hereditary disorders associated with intracranial aneurysms, such as Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease, and familial hyperaldosteronism type I. However, individuals without these disorders may also obtain aneurysms. The American Heart Association and American<unk>  Association recommend controlling modifiable risk factors including smoking and hypertension. Arterial dissections are tears of the internal lining of arteries, often associated with trauma. Dissections within the carotid arteries or vertebral arteries may compromise blood flow to the brain due to thrombosis, and dissections increase the risk of vessel rupture. Idiopathic Idiopathic diseases are those that occur spontaneously without a known cause. Moyamoya is an example of an idiopathic<unk>  disorder that results in narrowing and occlusion of intracranial blood vessels. The most common presentation is<unk>  or transient ischemic attack, but cognitive decline within children may also be a presenting symptom. The disease may begin to show symptoms beginning in adolescence, but some may not have symptoms until adulthood.
Cerebrovascular disease
Anti-Hu associated encephalitis
Cardiovascular disease
Disease
Stroke
Cancer
Urologic disease
Central nervous system disease