Vascular neurology

Vascular neurology is a specialized field of medicine that deals with diagnosing and managing disorders of the brain and spinal cord that are related to problems with blood flow. It is an area of neuroscience that focuses on the diagnosis, treatment and management of cerebrovascular diseases and disorders. Vascular neurologists are subspecialty trained neurologists who are skilled in recognizing and treating disorders of both the central and peripheral nervous system caused by impaired blood flow. Such disorders include strokes, transient ischemic attacks, cerebral aneurysms, carotid artery diseases, venous thromboembolic diseases, and spinal arteriovenous malformations. In many cases, vascular neurologists may use specialized imaging tests, such as angiography, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) scans, to diagnose vascular conditions. The neurologist then develops a treatment and management plan that is tailored to the individual patient’s needs. The treatment plan may include diet and lifestyle modifications, drug therapy, minimally-invasive procedures, and surgery. In some cases, vascular neurologists may be involved in rehabilitation programs to help improve motor, cognitive, and sensory function. Vascular neurology is an integral part of the neurologic team’s approach to patient care. By utilizing a wide range of diagnostic tests, treatments, preventative measures, and rehabilitation programs, the vascular neurologist helps to reduce the burden of stroke and other vascular-related disorders for their patients.