Cerebrovascular disease is not one specific condition but rather a group of them. Cerebrovascular disease impacts the blood vessels and blood flow to the brain. There are a variety of different problems that can result, such as a stroke, brain aneurysms, carotid artery disease, or a brain bleed.
Many people suffer from cerebrovascular disease. In the US, this condition is in the top five leading causes of death. It’s possible to develop this condition regardless of gender and age. Some factors can put an individual at higher risk of developing this condition, but anyone can get this diagnosis.
Understanding cardiovascular disease is complicated, especially because many conditions are under the general diagnosis.
What Causes Cerebrovascular Disease?
Many different factors can cause cerebrovascular disease. Some causes have to do with lifestyle factors, while others are genetic. Some causes include:
- Traumatic brain injury
- Hemorrhage
- Blood clot
- Atherosclerosis
Lifestyle factors can also lead to this condition. Smoking, drinking alcohol, eating unhealthy foods, and not exercising can all impact your health and lead to the development of this condition.
Cerebrovascular Disease Signs & Symptoms
The comprehensive list of symptoms of cerebrovascular disease is vast because many different conditions fall within its category. A person's individual symptoms depend on their specific diagnosis. Below are some common conditions and their symptoms.
- Dizziness
- Vomiting
- Extreme headache
- Difficulty balancing
- Drooping eyelid
- Seizure
- Confusion
- Blurred vision
- Numbness in the face
- Difficulty walking
- Difficulty understanding
If you’re experiencing any concerning symptoms, it’s best to speak with a doctor as soon as possible. If you are suffering from a cerebrovascular condition, it’s vital to ensure you get the necessary medical support.
Can Cannabis Help Alleviate Symptoms of Cerebrovascular Disease?
If you’ve used cannabis previously, you may wonder about THC's benefits on the brain. While there are some neurological benefits of cannabis, current studies suggest that cannabis may not be an effective treatment for cerebrovascular conditions.
Some research suggests extensive cannabis use may lead to impairment in cerebrovascular function as well as increased blood clotting effects, which may increase the risk of stroke. However, many other lifestyle factors can contribute to this condition, so it’s important to keep in mind. One study found that cannabis use was correlated with delayed cerebral ischemia, or impaired blood flow to the brain, after a brain hemorrhage.
While cannabis may be able to help with some of the symptoms of cerebrovascular disease, such as pain, there is not much research on how cannabis may influence cerebrovascular disease recovery or the onset. If you’re seeking benefits from cannabis, speak with a doctor about your options.
Legality and Doctor’s Recommendation
To determine if your state considers cerebrovascular disease to be a qualifying condition for medical cannabis, check out our Laws & Regulations section for the medical cannabis rules for your state.
If you find that your state recognizes cerebrovascular disease or its symptoms as a qualifying medical condition, you can seek a doctor’s recommendation to get your medical cannabis card in your state.
How NuggMD Can Help
NuggMD is the nation's leading medical cannabis technology platform, serving patients in over half the United States. We’ve connected over 1,300,000 patients with their new medical cannabis doctors face-to-face via our state-of-the-art telemedicine platform.
We believe that every human being has the right to explore the benefits of medical cannabis and are fully committed to helping each patient explore all of their options in their journey to wellness. For further information on whether you qualify for medical cannabis, select your state.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cannabis & Cerebrovascular Disease
Can smoking weed cause brain hemorrhage?
Many times, it isn’t possible to narrow down one specific cause of a brain hemorrhage. While using cannabis a single time will likely not have many adverse effects, it also isn't likely that cannabis will reduce the risk of a brain hemorrhage given other lifestyle choices. And chronic cannabis use may lead to complications later.1
Can I use THC for stroke recovery?
Some symptoms of strokes, such as pain, may be eased by cannabis. However, there isn’t much research to examine how THC can specifically impact stroke recovery. If you’ve dealt with a stroke, it’s best to speak with your medical team about cannabis.
Can I use topical cannabis products if I have this condition?
Topical products may be a good option if you want to use cannabis. They may provide localized relief if you’re experiencing symptoms in a specific area.
Does smoking weed at a young age impact the chances of developing cerebrovascular disease?
There is limited evidence that cannabis use can increase the risk of cerebrovascular disease, regardless of age.
Resources
- Choi SH, Mou Y, Silva AC. Cannabis and Cannabinoid Biology in Stroke. Stroke. 2019;50(9):2640-2645. doi:10.1161/STROKEAHA.118.023587
- Catapano JS, Rumalla K, Srinivasan VM, et al. Cannabis Use and Delayed Cerebral Ischemia After Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage. Stroke. 2022;53(2):e42-e43. doi:10.1161/STROKEAHA.121.035650
The information in this article and any included images or charts are for educational purposes only. This information is neither a substitute for, nor does it replace, professional legal advice or medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any concerns or questions about laws, regulations, or your health, you should always consult with an attorney, physician or other licensed professional.
