Vasospasm

vasospasm

Vasospasm is a sudden narrowing of a blood vessel caused by tightening of the vessel’s muscular wall. This narrowing reduces blood flow downstream and can cause pain, numbness, or tissue damage depending on which part of the body is affected. It can happen briefly or persist for a longer time, and it may occur in arteries large and small. Common triggers include cold exposure, stress, certain medications, injury, and underlying medical conditions that affect blood vessel control. Doctors diagnose it using patient symptoms, physical exams, and tests like ultrasound, angiography, or other imaging that shows how blood moves through vessels. Treatment aims to reopen or relax the affected vessel and restore blood flow; options include warming the area, medicines that relax vessels, and in severe cases procedures to widen the artery. Lifestyle steps—avoiding known triggers, managing stress, quitting smoking, and controlling other health problems—can help prevent episodes. If left untreated, repeated or prolonged vasospasm can lead to permanent damage in organs or tissues deprived of blood. Because its signs can resemble other conditions, quick evaluation matters so effective, targeted care can begin. Understanding vasospasm helps people recognize sudden circulatory problems and seek help promptly.