vasospasm
Arterial narrowing spasm
Vasospasm is a sudden constriction of blood vessel walls, reducing blood flow.
It occurs most dangerously in cerebral arteries after a brain hemorrhage, potentially causing stroke.
Vasospasm can also affect coronary arteries, triggering chest pain even without blockage: The angiogram showed vasospasm rather than a clot.
Treatment aims to relax the vessel and restore circulation.
Insufficient tissue blood supply
- hypoxiaInsufficient tissue oxygenation
- numbnessLoss of sensation
- pallorUnhealthy facial whiteness
- painBodily or emotional distress
weakness · confusion · altered consciousness · headache · transient · reversible · oxygen deprivation · claudication
Contact with low temperatures
- ergotismAlkaloid poisoning from tainted cereals
- migraineSevere neurological head pain
- reversibleAble to be undone
- episodicOccurring in distinct segments
Involuntary contractile tissue
- nitric oxideReactive nitrogen-oxygen compound
- endotheliumCells lining blood vessels
- serotoninMood-regulating brain chemical
- prostaglandinsLipid-derived signaling compounds
depolarization · calcium influx · contractility · vasodilators
Arterial wall bulge
- strokeSudden brain blood blockage
- cerebral arteryBlood vessel supplying brain
- brain injuryDamage to cranial organ
- angioplastyProcedure to widen vessels
Heart's own blood supply
- anginaIschemic chest discomfort
- chest painDiscomfort in thoracic region
- nitroglycerinExplosive compound, cardiac drug
- nitratesNitrogen-oxygen salt compounds
ischemia
Insufficient tissue blood supply
pain · weakness · confusion · altered consciousness · headache · transient · reversible · oxygen deprivation · claudication · paresthesia
cold exposure
Contact with low temperatures
- ergotismAlkaloid poisoning from tainted cereals
- migraineSevere neurological head pain
- reversibleAble to be undone
smooth muscle
Involuntary contractile tissue
- nitric oxideReactive nitrogen-oxygen compound
- endotheliumCells lining blood vessels
- serotoninMood-regulating brain chemical
prostaglandins · depolarization · calcium influx · contractility · vasodilators
aneurysm
Arterial wall bulge
- strokeSudden brain blood blockage
- cerebral arteryBlood vessel supplying brain
- brain injuryDamage to cranial organ
coronary artery
Heart's own blood supply
- anginaIschemic chest discomfort
- chest painDiscomfort in thoracic region
- nitroglycerinExplosive compound, cardiac drug