Cerebral Arteriosclerosis

Cerebral arteriosclerosis refers to the condition where cholesterol or fat accumulates on the walls of the cerebral blood vessels, forming atherosclerotic plaques. This results in the narrowing or hardening of the blood vessels leading to the brain. It is one of the key causes of serious brain conditions such as stroke, cerebral infarction, or cerebral hemorrhage.Causes
The primary causes are chronic conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, and hyperlipidemia, along with lifestyle factors like smoking, alcohol consumption, lack of exercise, and obesity. As people age, arterial walls tend to thicken or harden, a natural aging process that can also contribute to this condition.Symptoms
Cerebral arteriosclerosis may not present any noticeable symptoms in the early stages. However, as blood flow to the brain becomes increasingly restricted, various symptoms can develop, including:Headaches: Occurs when the narrowed blood vessels are unable to supply sufficient blood to the brain.Dizziness and balance issues: A lack of blood flow to the brain can result in dizziness or loss of balance.Memory loss and cognitive decline: When blood flow is blocked in certain areas of the brain, memory and cognitive functions can be affected.Motor and sensory impairments: Numbness or weakness in the arms or legs may develop.In traditional Korean medicine, treatments aimed at addressing these symptoms often yield favorable outcomes.Treatment Case 1
A 76-year-old Korean woman with a history of hypertension (166/100 mmHg) had been taking medication for her condition. For the past two years, she would wake up with headaches in the morning, which subsided after rising, but a heavy feeling in her head persisted throughout the day. Discomfort with acupuncture led her to begin herbal medicine treatment. After one month, her morning headaches had disappeared, and after three months, her blood pressure dropped to 140/84 mmHg. Additionally, symptoms of a heavy head, stiff shoulders, and insomnia had significantly improved.