Cerebrovascular Conditions We Treat

Cerebrovascular conditions occur when issues affect blood vessels supplying the brain. There are many types, including arteriovenous malformations (AVMs), brain aneurysms and carotid occlusions. All these issues raise your stroke risk.

Expert care from Henry Ford Health can preserve your cerebrovascular health. You receive the best available therapies from trusted experts who are leaders in the field. You can count on us for an accurate diagnosis – even if it’s a rare condition – and services that meet your needs.

Cerebrovascular conditions we treat

We excel in preventing, diagnosing, and treating a broad range of cerebrovascular conditions, including:

Arteriovenous malformations

Arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) occur when there are abnormal connections between arteries and veins. In severe cases, they divert blood away from the brain, lowering oxygen levels. We offer surgical and minimally invasive procedures to eliminate malformations.

Types of AVM we treat include:

• Cavernous malformations occur deep within the skull and often cause seizures.
• Dural fistulas affect the dura mater, the brain’s protective lining.
• Giant AVMs are large and may press on nearby tissue affecting brain functioning.
• Hemangiomas are malformations that occur on the surface of the brain or face.
• Spinal arteriovenous malformations are AVMs on the spinal canal or the spine’s protective covering.
• Venous malformation is a tangle of blood vessels affecting veins and not arteries.

Brain aneurysm

A brain aneurysm occurs when a weakened blood vessel balloons outward under the force of blood pressure in the brain. Aneurysms can cause life-threatening complications if they burst. We use a team approach to catch the early signs of aneurysms, so you receive timely treatment.

Carotid artery blockages

Carotid arteries on either side of your neck are the main vessels through which oxygen-rich blood reaches the brain. Carotid artery blockages occur when fatty deposits build up on blood vessel walls. Over time, the deposits get bigger, limiting blood flow to the brain. This condition can lead to stroke.

Neurovascular trauma (traumatic brain injury)

Neurovascular trauma includes severe injuries affecting the brain’s blood vessels. It is a form of traumatic brain injury. Cerebrovascular experts work alongside trauma physicians and neurocritical care providers to deliver lifesaving care.

Neurovascular trauma includes:

• Blood vessel tears from stab or gunshot wounds in the upper neck, face, skull base or brain
• Blood leaking into the brain (epidural hematoma, subdural hematoma or intraparenchymal hemorrhages) from a car crash, fall or serious hit to the head
• Traumatic aneurysms
• Abnormal connections between arteries and veins (arteriovenous fistulas) in the arms and legs

Stroke

Our focus on prevention includes testing, monitoring, and treatments to help you avoid a stroke. If you’ve survived a stroke, our services may lower the risk of experiencing another one. When strokes do occur, you have around-the-clock access to nationally recognized stroke care.

Types of stroke we prevent and treat include:

• Hemorrhagic stroke happens when a blood vessel tears (ruptures), causing blood to leak into the brain. Find out more about hemorrhagic stroke.
• Ischemic stroke occurs when a blood clot or narrowed artery disrupts blood flow to the brain. Read more about ischemic stroke.
• Transient ischemic attack is a temporary disruption of blood flow to the brain that signals you are in danger of a stroke. Learn more about transient ischemic attack (TIA).