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The clinical manifestations and pathophysiology of cerebral small vessel disease

Ai-Juan Zhang1, Xin-Jun Yu, Mei Wang

  • 1Department of Neurology, Wei Fang Brain Hospital, Weifang 261021, China. aijuanzhang@yahoo.com.cn

Neuroscience Bulletin
|May 27, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Small vessel disease (SVD) causes chronic brain circulatory disorders, including stroke and encephalopathy, impacting cognition and mobility in the elderly. Early diagnosis and prophylactic treatment of SVD are crucial due to societal aging.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Geriatrics
  • Vascular Medicine

Background:

  • Small vessel disease (SVD) is a significant cause of chronic brain circulatory disorders.
  • SVD accounts for 20-30% of ischemic stroke and cerebral hemorrhage cases.
  • Conditions like Binswanger's disease and multiple small strokes are linked to SVD, particularly in older adults.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the clinical manifestations of SVD.
  • To review the pathophysiology of SVD.
  • To highlight the importance of early SVD diagnosis and prophylactic treatment in an aging society.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of clinical manifestations of SVD.
  • Literature review of the pathophysiology of SVD.
  • Synthesis of current understanding regarding SVD's impact and management.

Main Results:

  • SVD contributes to encephalopathy, cognitive decline, vascular dementia, gait/balance impairment, mood depression, and urinary incontinence.
  • SVD-related encephalopathy elevates risks of falls, disability, and mortality in the elderly.
  • SVD imposes substantial social and economic burdens.

Conclusions:

  • SVD is a critical factor in age-related neurological deficits and cerebrovascular events.
  • The increasing elderly population necessitates greater focus on SVD.
  • Early detection and preventive strategies for SVD are essential for mitigating its severe consequences.

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