Cerebral circulation is the blood flow in your brain that keeps different regions of your brain functioning. If circulation is disrupted, damage to your brain can occur.
Although your brain is a small part of your body’s total weight, it requires a lot of energy to function. Circulating blood supplies the oxygen and nutrients your brain needs to function properly.
Research has found that, even though your brain makes up just 2% of your body’s weight, it receives
Any time cerebral circulation is impaired, your brain can become damaged.
This article takes a closer look at how blood flows through your brain and what can happen if this blood flow is disrupted.
The four main arteries that supply blood to your brain are the left and right internal carotid arteries and the left and right vertebral arteries.
These arteries connect and form a circle at the base of your brain. This is called the circle of Willis. Smaller blood vessels also branch off from these arteries to nourish different sections of your brain.
A key aspect of the circle of Willis is that sometimes interruption of blood flow in one vessel can be compensated if the arteries are intact. This is because the circle of Willis has many branches, and the branches can receive blood flow from other arteries that form the circle of Willis.
Your brain also has venous sinuses. These types of veins carry blood containing carbon dioxide and other waste products away from the brain tissue. Some of them connect with the veins of your scalp and face.
The blood vessels in the brain have a more protective wall than blood vessels throughout the body. This wall, called the
Nutrient and waste exchange occurs across the blood-brain barrier. This barrier helps protect your brain.
When any area of your cerebral circulation is interrupted, the corresponding area of the brain can be deprived of oxygen and nutrients. This can damage your brain and cause neurological problems. Some conditions related to impaired cerebral circulation include:
- stroke
- brain hypoxia
- brain hemorrhage
- brain edema
Stroke
When a blood clot blocks the flow of blood in your cerebral artery, a stroke can occur. As a result, the brain tissue in that area can die. When that tissue dies, it can impair the functions that part of your brain normally controls. For example, it can affect your speech, movement, and memory.
The degree of impairment you experience after a stroke depends on how much damage has occurred, as well as how quickly you get treatment.
Some people fully recover from a stroke. But many people have lasting disabilities or even die from strokes. According to the
How to lower your risk of stroke
Some causes of impaired cerebral circulation may be hard to prevent. But you can lower your risk of stroke and some other brain-related conditions by practicing healthy habits and following these tips:
- maintaining a healthy weight
- eating a well-balanced diet
- staying physically active, such as exercising regularly
- avoiding smoking if you smoke
- limiting alcohol if you consume beverages that contain alcohol
Brain hypoxia
Brain hypoxia (also called cerebral hypoxia) occurs when part of your brain doesn’t get enough oxygen. This happens when you don’t have enough oxygen in your blood even if there’s enough blood flow. Causes of cerebral hypoxia include:
- drowning
- choking
- suffocation
- high altitudes
- pulmonary diseases
- heart attack
- anemia
Brain hypoxia can cause symptoms ranging from confusion and lethargy to complete loss of consciousness. Immediate medical attention gives a person the best chance of recovery and can reduce long-term effects. But brain hypoxia can cause permanent disability or death.
Brain hemorrhage
A brain hemorrhage (also called a cerebral hemorrhage) is bleeding in your brain. It can occur when your arterial walls are weakened and burst. This can cause blood to leak in and around the brain tissue. This puts pressure on the brain tissue, causing increasing damage, and possibly leading to loss of consciousness.
Other possible causes of cerebral hemorrhage include:
- abnormally formed blood vessels
- bleeding disorders
- head injuries
- stroke
A cerebral hemorrhage is a medical emergency. It can potentially cause brain damage and death.
Brain edema
Brain edema (also called cerebral edema) occurs when you have inflammation and swelling in your cranial cavity.
Brain edema can put pressure on your brain. This can quickly damage your brain if the pressure is not relieved promptly.
Poor cerebral circulation is called cerebrovascular disease. This condition develops gradually, causing arteries throughout the brain to narrow. Cerebrovascular disease has no symptoms unless it leads to a stroke or TIA.
Cerebrovascular disease is a risk factor for stroke, which causes lasting effects. It’s also a risk factor for transient ischemic attack (TIA), which occurs when blood flow in an area of the brain is temporarily interrupted and causes reversible stroke symptoms.
Common symptoms of stroke or TIA include:
- dizziness
- difficulty pronouncing words (slurred speech)
- difficulty swallowing
- changes in vision (blurry or double vision)
- confusion
- numbness or tingling on the face or scalp
- loss of balance (uncoordinated movements)
- sleepiness
- headache
- nausea or vomiting
Poor cerebral circulation, also called cerebrovascular disease, develops over time. It can happen at any age, but it is more common with advanced age. You’re at an increased risk of having these problems if you drink alcohol or smoke or have:
Your cerebral circulation includes cerebral arteries that supply your brain with oxygen and nutrient-rich blood, and cerebral veins that help remove carbon dioxide and other waste products from your brain.
Disease or blockage of your cerebral circulation can lead to serious health issues, including stroke or cerebral hemorrhage.
Get immediate medical help if you’re experiencing symptoms of a stroke, such as face drooping, slurred speech, or arm weakness on one side.