Cerebrovascular Conditions
Cerebrovascular conditions affect the blood vessels supplying the brain. These include stroke, aneurysms, vascular malformations, and carotid artery disease. Timely diagnosis and treatment are critical to preventing permanent neurological damage.
Understanding Cerebrovascular Conditions
Cerebrovascular conditions encompass a range of disorders affecting blood flow to the brain. When blood supply is interrupted, whether by a blocked vessel, a ruptured aneurysm, or an abnormal vascular connection, brain tissue can be damaged within minutes. Dr. Kassam and his team provide both surgical and endovascular treatment options through a multidisciplinary cerebrovascular program.
Conditions Dr. Kassam Treats
Ischemic Stroke
Caused by a blocked artery cutting off blood flow to part of the brain. The most common type of stroke.
Hemorrhagic Stroke
Caused by a ruptured blood vessel bleeding into or around the brain.
Brain Aneurysms
Abnormal bulges in brain blood vessel walls that may rupture and cause life-threatening hemorrhage.
Arteriovenous Malformations (AVMs)
Abnormal tangles of blood vessels connecting arteries and veins in the brain, bypassing the normal capillary system. Can rupture or cause seizures.
Cavernous Malformations
Clusters of abnormal, thinly-walled blood vessels in the brain that may bleed or cause seizures.
Moyamoya Disease
A rare progressive condition in which arteries at the base of the brain become blocked, reducing blood flow.
Carotid Artery Disease
Narrowing of the carotid arteries in the neck that supply blood to the brain, increasing stroke risk.
Signs & Symptoms
Cerebrovascular symptoms often appear suddenly and require immediate attention:
- Sudden numbness or weakness, particularly on one side of the body
- Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding speech
- Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes
- Sudden severe headache with no known cause
- Sudden difficulty walking, dizziness, or loss of coordination
- Seizures (particularly with AVMs and cavernous malformations)
Stroke symptoms require immediate emergency medical attention. Call 911 immediately if you or someone you know is experiencing these symptoms.
Diagnostic Approach
Rapid and accurate diagnosis is essential for cerebrovascular conditions. Dr. Kassam and his team use advanced vascular imaging to identify the type, location, and severity of the condition:
- CT and MRI angiography to visualize blood vessels
- Cerebral angiogram for detailed vascular imaging
- Carotid ultrasound for carotid artery disease
- Transcranial Doppler for blood flow assessment
- Comprehensive neurological examination
Dr. Kassam's Approach
Dr. Kassam and his team offer both surgical and endovascular treatment options for cerebrovascular conditions, with treatment tailored to the specific condition and its characteristics.
Multidisciplinary team: Neurosurgeons, endovascular specialists, and neurocritical care physicians collaborate to determine the optimal treatment strategy for each patient.
For AVMs near functional brain areas: Conscious brain surgery may be used to monitor neurological function in real-time during surgical treatment, preserving critical capabilities like speech and movement.
Learn about conscious surgery →For deep hemorrhages: Minimally invasive surgical approaches may be used for clot evacuation, reducing trauma to surrounding brain tissue.
Learn about parafascicular surgery →Endovascular procedures: Catheter-based treatments for aneurysm coiling, AVM embolization, and acute stroke intervention.
Neurocritical care: Dedicated monitoring and management in the acute phase to optimize outcomes and prevent secondary injury.
Treatment Options
Endovascular Procedures
Catheter-based treatments including aneurysm coiling, AVM embolization, stenting, and mechanical thrombectomy for stroke.
Microsurgery
Direct surgical treatment including aneurysm clipping, AVM resection, and cavernous malformation removal.
Carotid Endarterectomy
Surgical removal of plaque from the carotid artery to restore blood flow and reduce stroke risk.
Medical Management
Blood pressure control, anticoagulation, and other medical therapies depending on the condition.
Treatment approach is individualized based on condition type, location, severity, and patient factors.
Related Conditions & Innovations
The information on this page is intended for educational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Every patient's condition is unique. Please consult with Dr. Kassam or your physician to discuss your specific situation.