What Is Neurovascular Surgery?
Neurovascular surgery offers advanced treatments for vascular diseases of the brain, including open and endovascular approaches using the latest imaging tools with minimally invasive techniques to ensure prompt diagnosis and treatment. Our experienced team of neurological and neurosurgical specialists identify and treat rare diseases and conditions that include:
- Cerebral aneurysms
- Arteriovenous malformations
- Carotid occlusive disease
- Stroke (hemorrhagic and ischemic)
- Cavernous malformations
- Carotid cavernous fistulas
What is a Neurovascular Condition?
A neurovascular condition (also known as a cerebrovascular condition) is a disease or disorder that takes place within the blood vessels. Blood vessels carry oxygenated blood from your lungs to your body’s nervous system through a connected network called the neurovascular system. When a disruption happens in your blood vessels or blood flow, your body can’t get the oxygen and nutrients that it needs, which can quickly be life-threatening.
Symptoms of Neurovascular Conditions:
- Trouble walking or keeping balance.
- Loss of coordination and feeling dizzy.
- Confusion or change in mental status.
- Inability to speak or understand speech.
- Stiff neck
- Nausea or vomiting
- Loss of consciousness
- Seizure
- Collapse
- Numbness, weakness, or especially if only on one side of the body.
Common Causes of Neurovascular Conditions:
Experts are not sure what causes neurovascular disease, but people who have a personal or family history of heart disease, diabetes, high cholesterol, or smoking may be at greater risk.
Investigation for Neurovascular Conditions:
To diagnose a neurovascular disorder, your doctor will review your medical history, evaluate your symptoms, and perform exams or order tests, including:
- Physical exam: During your physical exam, your doctor will assess your balance, coordination, and mental alertness. Your doctor will also check for other symptoms, such as numbness, weakness, or paralysis in your legs, arms, or face.
- Computed tomography (CT) scan: Your doctor may order a CT scan of your brain to determine if there is bleeding, a blockage, or other abnormalities.
Treatment For Neurovascular Conditions:
- Medication: Tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) breaks apart clots and restores blood flow to your brain.
- Embolization: Embolization involves the injection of a glue-like material to block abnormal arteries.
- Surgical clipping: During this procedure, a clip is placed on an aneurysm to stop blood flow.
Prevention For Neurovascular Conditions:
While there’s no fool proof way to prevent neurovascular disease, you can reduce your risk of a first-time event or recurrence by adopting the following healthy lifestyles:
- Eating a nutrient-rich diet that includes fresh fruit and vegetables
- Exercising regularly
- Not smoking
- Limiting alcohol intake and not abusing drugs
- Controlling pre-existing conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, high-cholesterol and heart disease