Large Vessel Occlusion

Large Vessel Occlusion (LVO) is a serious medical condition that occurs when a large artery in the brain becomes blocked, leading to a loss of blood flow and oxygen to the brain tissue supplied by that artery. LVOs can cause a variety of symptoms, including sudden weakness or numbness on one side of the body, difficulty speaking or understanding speech, loss of vision in one or both eyes, and difficulty walking or balancing. LVOs are a leading cause of stroke, and they can be fatal if not treated promptly.

Causes of LVO

LVOs can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

• Atherosclerosis, which is the buildup of plaque in the arteries
• Blood clots that form in the arteries
• Artery dissection, which is a tear in the wall of an artery
• Vasculitis, which is inflammation of the blood vessels
• Other medical conditions, such as atrial fibrillation and sickle cell disease

Symptoms of LVO

The symptoms of LVO can vary depending on the location of the blockage and the amount of brain tissue that is affected. Common symptoms include:

• Sudden weakness or numbness on one side of the body
• Difficulty speaking or understanding speech
• Loss of vision in one or both eyes
• Difficulty walking or balancing
• Confusion
• Seizures
• Coma

Diagnosis of LVO

LVOs are diagnosed using a variety of imaging tests, including:

• Computed tomography (CT) scan
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan
• Angiography

Treatment of LVO

The goal of treatment for LVO is to restore blood flow to the brain as quickly as possible. Treatment options include:

• Thrombectomy, which is a procedure to remove the blood clot that is causing the blockage
• Intravenous thrombolysis, which is a medication that is given to dissolve the blood clot
• Stenting, which is a procedure to place a small stent in the artery to keep it open
• Bypass surgery, which is a procedure to create a new pathway for blood to flow around the blockage

Prognosis for LVO

The prognosis for LVO depends on the severity of the blockage and the amount of brain tissue that is affected. With prompt treatment, many people who experience LVO make a full recovery. However, some people may experience permanent neurological damage, such as paralysis or speech problems.

Prevention of LVO

There are a number of things you can do to reduce your risk of LVO, including:

• Controlling your blood pressure
• Managing your cholesterol
• Not smoking
• Eating a healthy diet
• Exercising regularly
• Taking aspirin or other blood thinners, if you have been prescribed them