Introduction to Interventional Neurology

Interventional neurology is a subspecialty of neurosurgery devoted to the use of endovascular techniques for the treatment of disorders in the nervous system. The practice encompasses many different procedures such as angiography, stent placement, cerebral thrombectomy, etc. Interventional neurology is performed by an Interventional Neuroradiologist.

Why Interventional Neurology?

Interventional Neurology is a field of practice within neurology using catheters and radiology to diagnose and treat chronic conditions related to the central nervous system (e.g., treatment for aneurysms). It usually involves minimally invasive procedures.
The central nervous system is made up of the brain and the spinal cord. Interventional neurologists diagnose and treat diseases by viewing them from different angles, rather than using open surgery. This is done with advanced radiology imaging and 3D technology to ensure precise medical procedures on the patient.

What can be treated with Interventional Neurology?

Interventional Neurology can treat the following conditions:

  • Brain aneurysms that are causing bleeding in the brain (intracranial hemorrhage). Other aneurysms affecting blood vessels anywhere in the body
  • Carotid artery disease, a progressive condition of narrowed or weakened blood vessels that supply oxygen to the brain and neck. This condition causes a stroke if it ruptures.
  • Extracranial & Intracranial Atherosclerosis – Hardening of arteries that supply blood to the head and neck
  • Head and Neck Tumors
  • Brain and Spinal Vascular Malformations
  • Cerebral Aneurysm – Bulging, weakening of an artery supplying blood to the brain
  • Severe Nosebleeds
  • Stroke/Blood Clot in the Brain
  • Neck Lesions
  • Subarachnoid Hemorrhage (SAH) – Bleeding/bursting of a blood vessel in the brain

 

Medical Procedures Used in Interventional Neurology;

All of the medical procedures used in interventional neurology are non-surgical treatments. The goals of these interventional procedures are to treat a number of conditions. These medical procedures include:

  • Stenting – These procedures include the insertion of a balloon or a stent (tiny metal tube) to open a blocked vessel/artery
  • Thrombectomy – This procedure is used where the patient’s brain cells are not getting enough oxygen due to a trapped clot hindering the normal blood flow. Usually, a catheter through an artery in the patient’s groin is routed to the blocked artery in the brain. The clot is removed and the brain cells begin receiving normal oxygen flow.
  • Angioplasty – this procedure is employed where there is a narrowed, damaged, or malfunctioning artery/vessels within the cerebral system.
  • Coil Embolization – This procedure includes the insertion of a metal coil/wire to restrict blood flow to a particular area in the body.
  • Embolectomy- Employed to remove a clot from the patient’s body which caused the stroke.

 

Centre of Excellence for Interventional Neurology

The specialty of neurology involves the study and treatment of diseases that affect the nervous system, including diseases of the brain, spinal cord, nerves, and muscles.
At ASIAN, our team of board-certified neurologists is highly trained to treat common but complex neurological cases such as strokes, epilepsy (seizures), headaches, dementias like Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s. We understand the life-changing impacts these diseases can have on patients and their families.
Our multi-disciplinary care team shares one goal: to provide personalized, specialized healthcare for you and your loved ones. We work together with physicians, nurses, technologists, and specialists to respond to whatever needs you may have.

Looking for expert interventional neurology consulting?

Trust only the experienced experts at ASIAN.
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Content Reviewed by – Asian Hospital Medical Editors