Diseases related to blood vessels of the neck and brain are a
relatively common problem that affect people of all ages. The symptoms
can range from a headache to a severe stroke. It is imperative for a
patient and his or her physician to understand the importance of
diagnosing and treating the problem in a timely fashion to prevent a
devastating neurologic problem. It is extremely important to locate
centers that have an expertise in recognizing, diagnosing, and
treating patients with neurovascular diseases.
The Vascular Neurosurgery Program consists of a dedicated
multi-disciplinary team made up of neurologists, neurosurgeons,
neuroradiologists and intensivists who treat patients with complex
neurovascular disorders. The team utilizes state-of-the-art technology
to diagnose and treat a variety of diseases and illness.
Atherosclerotic stenosis (critical narrowing) of the internal carotid
artery (one of the four blood vessels that feeds the brain) is a
common problem diagnosed at the Institute. This problem can manifest
itself through visual changes, mini reversible strokes or irreversible
strokes. It can also be diagnosed before it can cause a serious
problem. The Vascular Neurosurgery Program has the ability to diagnose
this problem via the latest non-invasive methods. The team is also
able to study patients with 3-Dimensional Angiography - technology
only offered at a handful of facilities around the world.
Cerebral Aneurysms are abnormal outpouchings or balloons in the wall
of arteries (blood vessel) of the brain. If the aneurysm ruptures, it
can result in a devastating bleed within the brain called a
subarachnoid hemorrhage. Our multi-disciplinary team is extremely well
trained and experienced in treating people suffering from this
problem. We were one of the first centers in the world and the first
in the country to offer 3-Dimensional angiography to detect cerebral
aneurysms. This technology is superior to the conventional angiography
most centers use. Treatment of this disease includes microsurgical
placement of a metal clip across the base of the aneurysm preventing
it from rerupturing.
Intraoperative angiography is a unique tool employed by the Institute
that provides immediate feedback to the vascular neurosurgeon during
surgery. Cerebral aneurysms can also be treated by placing coils (GDC
coils) within the aneurysms causing the aneurysm to clot off. This can
be performed through non-surgical minimally invasive means. Our team
of neuro-nurses also have experience in treating patients who have
undergone either surgical clopping or GDC coiling of their aneurysms.
Arteriovenous Malformations (AVMs) are abnormal tangles of blood
vessels in the brain. A patient is born with this problem and it can
become symptomatic at any age. The symptoms include a headache or a
sudden neurologic deficit caused by a brain hemorrhage or a new onset
seizure. The Cerebral Vascular Center has the most advanced technology
to detect these types of malformations. Our 3-Dimensional angiography
creates images superior to the conventional angiography offered at
most institutions. These 3-D images give much greater detail and
information about the pathology. The neurovascular team can then offer
the patient a wide range of treatment options. Our center has the
capability of microsurgical operative removal with intraoperative
angiography, minimally invasive endovascular embolization and
non-invasive stereotactic radiosurgery with the Gamma Knife.
The New Jersey Neuroscience Institute not only keeps pace with the
rapid changes taking place in medicine, but also helps to set the
pace. We are dedicated to every aspect of clinical treatment and
contribute to the academic advancement of the neurosciences. We have
an active Neuroscience Lab studying a variety of problems - which is
helping to expand on the treatment options available for our patients.
We are also involved in numerous clinical trials, including
multi-centered studies, focusing on the treatment of various vascular
diseases.
Our Cerebrovascular Team:
Thomas Steineke, MD, PhD neurosurgeon
Martin Gizzi, MD, PhD neurologist
Spozhmy Panezai, MD neurologist
Jawad Kirmani, MD
Ugo Paolucci, MD neurologist
