Home > Encyclopedia of Neurological Disorders > Cerebral Angiitis

Definition

Cerebral angiitis is an inflammation of the small arteries in the brain.

Description

Cerebral angiitis is a type of vasculitis in which an aberrant immune response results in inflammation and destruction of the small arteries that feed brain tissue. As a result of the inflammation, blood clots form within the arteries, compromising blood flow and resulting in decreased oxygen delivery to vulnerable brain tissue. Two types of cerebral angiitis have been recognized. The first type is considered to be an encephalopathic type, which results in wide-spread, slowly progressive damage to the brain. The second type causes abrupt, acute damage to a focal area of the brain, similar to a stroke.

Demographics

While cerebral angiitis can...