Symptoms Linked To Fibromuscular Dysplasia

Fibromuscular dysplasia is a medical condition that causes the medium-sized arteries in the body to narrow and enlarge. When the arteries are narrowed, the reduced flow of blood can affect a person's organ function. In most cases, fibromuscular dysplasia occurs in arteries around the kidneys. However, it's also been known to affect arteries around the legs, arms, abdomen, heart, and brain. If fibromuscular dysplasia isn't treated, it might lead to several complications. The condition doesn't always present with symptoms. In addition, different patients may experience different symptoms depending on which arteries are affected. Symptoms typically occur in whatever organs the affected arteries supply. Some patients have just one narrowed artery, while others have multiple.

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Ischemic Renal Atrophy

Ischemic renal atrophy is a condition in which one or both kidneys are smaller than average. There are a few common causes of this, one of which is the kidney fails to develop fully before an individual is born. However, when the condition is linked to fibromuscular dysplasia, there's a different cause. Ischemic renal atrophy occurs when blood flow in the kidneys is deficient. Fibromuscular dysplasia patients experience this when one or more arteries supplying the kidneys is too narrow to provide adequate blood flow. There are a few different symptoms of ischemic renal atrophy. Patients might experience pain in their abdomen, side, or back. There may be blood in the urine, and patients may urinate more often. The kidney area might be generally uncomfortable. Patients may also have muscle cramps, itchy skin, lose their appetites, and generally feel unwell.

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High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure is one of the most common complications of the condition. When the arteries narrow, there's increased pressure on the walls as the blood tries to flow properly. This condition is cause for concern because it has the potential to lead to artery damage, serious heart disease, or total heart failure. High blood pressure, also called hypertension, can also lead to brain damage. If the brain doesn't have an adequate supply of blood, patients may experience transient ischemic attacks, otherwise known as mini-strokes. These attacks have the same symptoms as a stroke, but they only last for a short time and are typically gone in twenty-four hours. Patients might also experience full strokes or cognitive impairment due to reduced blood flow to the brain.

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Blurry Vision Or Temporary Vision Loss

The carotid arteries are the ones that lead to the brain. When fibromuscular dysplasia affects these arteries, patients might experience blurry vision or temporary vision loss. It is important for anyone experiencing vision issues, whether they are the result of fibromuscular dysplasia or not, to stop driving vehicles whenever possible and to visit an ophthalmologist to have a vision test conducted. Other doctors may need to be roped in when a diagnosis such as fibromuscular dysplasia is possible, such as a neurologist, since blurry vision or temporary vision loss are a couple of the neurological symptoms of fibromuscular dysplasia. Of course, however, each patient's case is different and thus, the handling will be as well.

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Unexplained Weight Loss

Unexplained weight loss is a symptom of fibromuscular dysplasia that can occur when the arteries around the abdomen are affected. This is often coupled with abdominal pain after a meal. When the stomach isn't getting enough blood, it has trouble digesting food properly. Other parts of the gastrointestinal tract might also be affected. When individuals lose ten or more pounds or they lose five percent of their body weight over six to twelve months, medical practitioners consider the weight loss unexplained. Unexplained weight loss occurs when an element such as dietary changes or increases in exercise have not occurred.

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Weakness and Numbness

Individuals with fibromuscular dysplasia may experience weakness and numbness in different parts of the body. If the arms and legs are affected, it's common to feel numbness or weakness in the limbs. The arms and legs may also be cold. Patients might also experience discomfort when they move their legs, arms, feet, and hands. In addition, the skin may change in appearance or color due to the restricted blood flow. Numbness and weakness may also occur in the face when the blood flow is restricted to the brain. Unexplained numbness and weakness should be evaluated by a doctor, as this can be a sign of multiple serious conditions, including fibromuscular dysplasia. Sudden facial weakness is cause for emergency medical attention.