Treatments

Fibromuscular Dysplasia Treatments

There is no cure for fibromuscular dysplasia (FMD). Northwestern Medicine specialists offer options to help you manage your symptoms, including risk reduction and treatment to improve blood flow through the affected arteries, so you can maintain your quality of life. Treatments may include:

Medications

Various medications can help you manage your symptoms or prevent serious complications, including:

• High blood pressure: Medications that lower your blood pressure and reduce the force of your contractions can help minimize the growth of an aneurysm.
• Stroke: Blood thinners, including low-dose aspirin, may be used to help prevent a stroke.
• Headaches: Migraine medications or Botox injections to the scalp have proven effective in treating headaches.

Angioplasty

A long, thin, flexible tube (catheter) with a balloon tip is inserted into an artery that contains an aneurysm (bulge) or is at risk of dissection (tearing). The balloon is inflated and a tiny coil or stent is placed in the artery permanently to protect the integrity of the artery wall.

Surgery

When an angioplasty isn't successful, your physician may recommend surgery to treat an aneurysm.

Lifestyle changes

Changes in your diet and stress reduction techniques may help you prolong and improve the quality of your life.

Your treatment will depend on the severity of your symptoms and the location of the FMD. Our specialists are dedicated to providing individualized treatment options that will maximize the quality of your life.