lupus brain vasculitis and calcium channel blockers??

  Thanks so much for the info!  I am on verapamil for arrythmias and also procardia to "dilate the cerebral arteries " they said. Are either of those calcium blockers?  Is that the idea behind what you refered to?-- to dilate the vessels?  thanks again for your time!!  

[CCF Neurology M.D./DFG]

Dear Ruth:
Yes,in fact both of your medications are calcium channel blockers,
and the stated reason for administering Procardia (to dilate the cerebral
vessels) is correct. Vasculitic processes (whether in the brain or elsewhere
in the body) reduce the effectiveness of blood vessels to deliver blood
to thei intended destination; this occurs due the inflammation of the blood
vessel walls, reducing the size of the delivery channel (akin to turning
on a garden hose, then sqeezing the hose, partially cutting off the flow of water).
Good luck with your treatment.