Cerebral stenosis
Duke's neurosurgeons are expertly equipped to diagnose and treat cerebral stenosis, also known as intracranial stenosis, which occurs when blood flow to the brain is restricted by arteries narrowed or blocked by plaque. We use sophisticated imaging to diagnose the severity of your condition, and aggressively treat brain stenosis to reduce your risk of stroke.
Leaders in cerebrovascular care
Stenosis refers to an artery or any blood vessels that becomes narrowed or blocked due to atherosclerosis, which is a build-up of plaque. Our physicians use sophisticated diagnostic imaging to pinpoint the location of your brain stenosis, and determine your risk for stroke, manage your condition, and recommend the most appropriate treatment. If surgery is recommended, our highly skilled surgeons have the experience to open blockages in the small twisting vessels found deep within the brain.
- Experienced team approach. Your team will include stroke neurologists who provide comprehensive medical management. If you require stenting, procedures are performed by neurointerventionists who have undergone advanced training in minimally invasive image-based technologies and procedures used in diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the head, neck, and spine. They have more than 30 years of experience between them.
- Access to the latest research. Our doctors and surgeons participate in several clinical trials to determine the best way to treat brain stenosis. You may be eligible to participate in clinical trials, and undergo the latest treatment options, which may not be widely available.
- Less invasive therapies. We are experts in minimally invasive and less invasive techniques that repair veins and arteries, reduce brain bleeding, and resume a healthy blood flow.
CEREBRAL STENOSIS
Treatments
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Your symptoms and condition will indicate whether cholesterol-lowering drugs, high blood pressure medications, and blood thinners are prescribed to lower your risk for serious complications.
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A small flexible balloon is used to open the narrowed or blocked artery, and a small cylindrical device called a stent is placed across the area to keep the blood vessel open. While there are some risks to this procedure, preliminary medical evidence suggests this combination is more effective than medication in preventing long term stroke.
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Reroutes blood flow around blocked, narrowed or damaged arteries in the brain. Often essential in emergencies, a cerebral bypass may be required to restore healthy blood flow.
CEREBRAL STENOSIS
Tests
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Non-invasive images the brain vessel indicate where the brain's blood supply may be restricted by stenosis - a narrowed or blocked artery.
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A contrast dye is injected through an IV to create images of blood flow in the arteries and blood vessels in the neck and brain.
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A catheter is inserted into a large artery and threaded through the circulatory system. A contrast agent is injected to capture images that allow neuroradiologists, specialists in the nerves found in the brain and spine, to view abnormal connections within arteries and veins and plan the appropriate treatment.