Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 23, 2026

Midface Hypoplasia and Cranial Base Morphology in Syndromic Craniosynostosis: A Comparative Analysis Study Using a Predictive Regression Model
08:03

Midface Hypoplasia and Cranial Base Morphology in Syndromic Craniosynostosis: A Comparative Analysis Study Using a Predictive Regression Model

Published on: November 4, 2025

Intracranial stenosis in young patients: unique characteristics and risk factors

Farhan Siddiq1, Saqib A Chaudhry, Gabriela Vazquez

  • 1The Zeenat Qureshi Stroke Research Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minn., USA.

Neuroepidemiology
|April 5, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Intracranial stenosis in young women often affects the internal carotid artery. While stroke risk factors are linked, their impact is limited by low prevalence in this demographic.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Vascular Medicine
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Intracranial stenosis (narrowing of brain arteries) presents differently in younger individuals compared to older populations.
  • Understanding these differences is crucial for accurate diagnosis and treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the distinct pathogenic mechanisms of intracranial stenosis in younger patients relative to older individuals.
  • To identify unique clinical characteristics and risk factor associations in different age groups.

Main Methods:

  • A case-control study matching patients with intracranial stenosis to a healthy population from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Study (NHANES).
  • Stratification of the study cohort into two age groups: ≤45 years and >45 years.
  • Estimation of relative risk (odds ratios) and attributable risk for cardiovascular risk factors.

Main Results:

  • Younger patients (≤45 years) with intracranial stenosis were more likely to be women (53%) and have lesions in the internal carotid artery (65%).
  • Attributable risk for hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and coronary artery disease was lower in younger patients compared to older patients.
  • Hyperlipidemia showed a higher attributable risk for intracranial stenosis in younger individuals (23.3%) than in older individuals (9.3%).

Conclusions:

  • Intracranial stenosis in young patients predominantly affects the anterior circulation and occurs more frequently in young women.
  • Despite apparent associations, the overall impact of traditional stroke risk factors on intracranial stenosis is diminished in younger populations due to lower prevalence.
Abstract

More Related Videos

Minimally Invasive Thumb-sized Pterional Craniotomy for Surgical Clip Ligation of Unruptured Anterior Circulation Aneurysms11:58

Minimally Invasive Thumb-sized Pterional Craniotomy for Surgical Clip Ligation of Unruptured Anterior Circulation Aneurysms

Published on: August 11, 2015

Related Concept Videos

Increased Intracranial Pressure ll: Pathophysiology01:29

Increased Intracranial Pressure ll: Pathophysiology

Increased intracranial pressure (ICP) refers to a potentially life-threatening rise in pressure inside the skull. This usually happens when there is a major change in the volume of brain tissue, blood, or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) — the three components inside the skull. According to the Monro-Kellie doctrine, if the volume of one component increases, the volumes of the other components must decrease to maintain normal pressure. If this does not happen, ICP rises.The process often begins with...
Increased Intracranial Pressure l: Introduction01:14

Increased Intracranial Pressure l: Introduction

Intracranial hypertension is a sustained elevation of intracranial pressure (ICP) above 22 mm Hg. In supine adults, normal ICP is ~7–15 mm Hg.The rigid, nonexpandable cranium contains three components—brain tissue, blood, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)—that total ~1,700 mL in a typical adult: 1,400 mL brain (~80%), 150 mL blood (~10%), and 150 mL CSF (~10%). According to the Monro–Kellie doctrine, total intracranial volume is effectively fixed. When one component expands, CSF and venous blood...
Esophageal Strictures-II: Clinical Features and Management01:26

Esophageal Strictures-II: Clinical Features and Management

Patients with esophageal strictures often experience a range of symptoms. Initially, they may have difficulty swallowing solid foods, which can progress to include liquids. Additional symptoms may involve chest pain or discomfort, regurgitating food and fluids, heartburn, unintentional weight loss, coughing or choking during meals, and hoarseness.
Healthcare providers should gather a comprehensive medical history and conduct a physical examination for diagnosis. If esophageal stricture is...
Aneurysm II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies01:21

Aneurysm II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies

Thoracic, aortic arch and abdominal aneurysms are significant vascular conditions that can present with various clinical manifestations and lead to serious complications. Understanding these manifestations and the appropriate diagnostic studies is essential for effective management and treatment.Thoracic Aortic AneurysmsThoracic aortic aneurysms often remain asymptomatic until they reach a size that impinges on adjacent structures. They typically cause deep, diffuse chest pain that radiates to...
Hemorrhagic Stroke l: Introduction01:17

Hemorrhagic Stroke l: Introduction

A hemorrhagic stroke is an acute neurological event that occurs when a weakened cerebral blood vessel ruptures, allowing blood to accumulate within or around the brain. The sudden release of blood forms a focal hematoma that increases intracranial pressure, displaces neural tissue, and can obstruct cerebrospinal fluid pathways. These effects may be compounded by intraventricular extension of the hemorrhage, cerebral edema, or compression of adjacent structures, all of which contribute to...
Cerebral Edema ll: Pathophysiology01:22

Cerebral Edema ll: Pathophysiology

Vasogenic edema is a major form of cerebral edema characterized by abnormal accumulation of fluid in the brain’s extracellular space due to disruption of the blood–brain barrier (BBB). The BBB is a specialized structure composed of endothelial cells connected by tight junctions, supported by astrocytic endfeet and a basement membrane. Under normal conditions, it tightly regulates the movement of ions, proteins, and solutes between the bloodstream and brain parenchyma. When this barrier loses...