Vascular Neurosurgery

What is Vascular Neurosurgery?

Neurosurgery is the branch of medicine that deals with the central nervous system through various types of surgeries. Vascular neurosurgery specializes in the blood vessels that pass through the central nervous network. It specializes in identifying and dealing with problems of the blood vessels that may lead to problems for the brain or spinal cord. The process of doing this requires a high degree of precision. Consequently, qualify to become a vascular neurosurgeon takes many years.

Treatment

Doctors who work in this field are commonly known as ‘stroke doctors'. However, that is not the only thing that vascular neurosurgery prevents. In most cases, the surgery is of a preventative nature.

Two things cause a stroke in the brain. Firstly, a stroke may be caused by a blood clot that goes to the vessels of the brain and blocks blood flow. This is the most common cause of strokes. A blood vessel that ruptures in the brain causes the second type of stroke. As a result, it spills blood in the brain, which causes a short-circuiting of the brain.

The operation for a blood clot will usually involve a drug that is administered intravenously. This drug goes into the brain and causes the clot to dissolve. Thus, a potential disaster is averted. However, this does not always work. In such a case, a thin wire-cage instrument is sent into the vessel. This procedure requires a high degree of concentration. The doctor uses this device to retrieve the clot out of the brain.

In case there is a swollen blood vessel in the brain, the doctor will insert a catheter through a major artery. This device is guided until it reaches the site of the swollen vessel in the brain. A coil may be placed at this site to prevent the vessel from rupturing. If it has already ruptured, a metal clip may be placed at the site of an aneurysm. This prevents it from spilling blood into the brain and causing extensive damage.

Diagnosis

Diagnosing a nervous system disorder requires the use of modern soft tissue techniques. This is mainly done through MRI or a CT scan. The doctor may also perform the cerebral spinal fluid test. This will determine if there are any leaks of blood from burst blood vessels. In case there are any ruptured vessels, surgery is ordered immediately to prevent further damage.

How much time is required?

After surgery, a patient may have to stay in the hospital for about a day. During this time, they are put under close supervision to ensure nothing goes wrong. If no surgery is required, a patient is

How will patient recover?

Taking care of such a patient involves checking intensely on what they eat. For instance, patients should avoid foods rich in cholesterol. Besides that, they should avoid medication that may lead to high blood pressure. The patient should take lots of rest until their brain fully heals.

What should be cared?

In some cases, speech and physical therapy may be necessary. This ensures the patient can function normally like other human beings.