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Cerebrovascular
Diseases and Disorders
Diseases
and disorders affecting the blood vessels that supply
the brain – such as strokes, aneurysms and arteriovenous
malformations – are treated through a collaborative
approach that includes neurosurgeons, cranial base surgeons,
neurologists, neuroradiologists, neuroanesthesiologists
and others. Many of these problems can be treated surgically.
Technologies, such as intraoperative angiography that
enable surgeons to visualize the blood vessels during
surgery, are key to success.
Cerebrovascular disease refers to any disease of the
blood vessels and, especially, the arteries that supply
the brain. Stroke occurs when a blood vessel in the
brain is blocked or bursts; the blood flow stays blocked,
and the brain has permanent damage. Transient ischemic
attack (TIA) occurs when blood flow to part of the brain
is blocked or reduced, often by a blood clot. After
a short time, blood flows again and the symptoms go
away.
Cerebrovascular disease may be caused by different
factors, including high blood pressure or a blood-clotting
disorder. Rapid diagnosis is critical for a best possible
recovery. Medicines may be used initially and then treatments
may shift to rehabilitation and prevention of other
problems and future strokes.
Neuro-Endovascular
Services
Through a unique joint venture between the Department
of Neurosurgery and the Department of Radiology, cerebrovascular
disorders such as aneurysm, tumor, carotid stenosis
and stroke can be treated without surgery, but by approaching
the problem endovascularly – from within the blood
vessels. For example, Loyola is one of the few centers
nationwide performing the GDC procedure (Guglielmi Detachable
Coil) in which a soft platinum alloy micro-coil is placed
through the femoral artery into a cerebral aneurysm,
isolating it from circulation and thereby reducing pressure
and the likelihood of rupture and stroke.
Interventional
Neurovascular Applications Laboratory
A new interventional neurovascular applications laboratory
enables scientists to teach interventional techniques
and test innovative treatments for cerebrovascular diseases.
Some of the principal avenues of research include testing
ways to seal off aneurysms with polymer compounds or
metal coils, using special glue to treat arteriovenous
malformations and using new technologies to measure
cerebral blood flow. A new state-of-the-art cerebral
blood flow laboratory enhances the management of both
interventional and open surgical cerebrovascular cases.
Locations
and Contacts
A full spectrum of neurological surgery services
is available at:
Loyola
Outpatient Center in Maywood
Oakbrook
Terrace Medical Center
If you would like to make an appointment or need assistance
to find an appropriate physician, please call us at
(888) LUHS-888.
Related
Links
Stroke Center
Neurology
services
Radiology
services
Interventional neuroradiology
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