This condition represents a temporary enlargement of blood vessels within the brain following a period of reduced blood flow. It is characterized by a fleeting widening of cerebral arteries or arterioles that occurs as a response to a previous episode of insufficient oxygen supply. For example, after a brief blockage in a cerebral artery resolves, the affected vessels may dilate beyond their normal size for a short duration.
Understanding this physiological response is critical for interpreting neuroimaging studies and assessing the potential for reperfusion injury after stroke or other cerebrovascular events. This vascular phenomenon can influence treatment strategies and provide insights into the brain’s mechanisms for adapting to and recovering from periods of ischemia. Historically, recognizing this dilation has aided in distinguishing between reversible and irreversible brain damage following stroke.
