Cerebrovascular disease includes a variety of medical conditions that affect the blood vessels of the brain and the cerebral circulation.

[4] A stroke usually presents with an abrupt onset of a neurologic deficit – such as hemiplegia (one-sided weakness), numbness, aphasia (language impairment), or ataxia (loss of coordination) – attributable to a focal vascular lesion.

[7] The neurologic symptoms manifest within seconds because neurons need a continual supply of nutrients, including glucose and oxygen, that are provided by the blood.

[11][12] The most common presentation of cerebrovascular diseases is an acute stroke, which occurs when blood supply to the brain is compromised.

[1] Hemorrhagic strokes can present with a very severe, sudden headache associated with vomiting, neck stiffness, and decreased consciousness.

[16] Examples of congenital cerebrovascular diseases include arteriovenous malformations, germinal matrix hemorrhage, and CADASIL (cerebral autosomal-dominant arteriopathy with subcortical infarcts and leukoencephalopathy).

In arteriovenous malformations, arteries are directly connected to veins, which increases the risk of venous rupture and hemorrhage.

Signs and symptoms include flaccid weakness, seizures, abnormal posturing, or irregular respiration.

[19] This disease often presents in early adulthood with migraines, stroke, mood disturbances, and cognitive deterioration.

[20] Acquired cerebrovascular diseases are those that are obtained throughout a person's life that may be preventable by controlling risk factors.

[21] Causes of acquired cerebrovascular disease include atherosclerosis, embolism, aneurysms, and arterial dissections.

There are various hereditary disorders associated with intracranial aneurysms, such as Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease, and familial hyperaldosteronism type I.

[33] Moyamoya is an example of an idiopathic cerebrovascular disorder that results in narrowing and occlusion of intracranial blood vessels.

[37] An ischemic cascade occurs where an energetic molecular problem arises due to lack of oxygen and nutrients.

The cascade results in decreased production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which is a high-energy molecule needed for cells in the brain to function.

[39] There are several arteries that supply oxygen to different areas of the brain, and damage or occlusion of any of them can result in stroke.

[51] Treatment for cerebrovascular disease may include medication, lifestyle changes, and surgery, depending on the cause.

[56] Geographically, a "stroke belt" in the US has long been known, similar to the "diabetes belt" which includes all of Mississippi and parts of Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, and West Virginia.