CEREBRAL COMPLICATIONS OF HYPOTENSION

Abstract

Cerebral complications resulting from spontaneous or induced hypotension include reversible functional disturbances, localized infarctions, and permanent loss of function of the higher cerebral centers. The mean arterial pressure at which signs of cerebral vascular insufficiency become manifest varies considerably and is frequently highest in those subjects with cerebral vascular disease. In patients receiving hypotensive agents it may be difficult to determine if the cerebral complication arises from a progression of the vascular disease or from hypotension, since in both situations the delivery of essential substrates becomes inadequate.