Why choose us for cerebrovascular care?

BJC HealthCare works with Washington University physicians, BJC Medical Group, and providers across the region to deliver extraordinary care. Many cerebrovascular conditions require emergency treatment. Our team works together to quickly get you the care you need. We care for a large number of patients with cerebrovascular diseases, positioning our physicians among the most experienced in the region.

We offer:

Excellent outcomes: Research shows that neurological centers performing a high volume of procedures produce better outcomes. Our physicians are well-equipped to diagnose and treat cerebrovascular diseases with fewer complications and shorter recovery times.
High volumes: We have the highest volumes in cerebrovascular disease treatment in St. Louis and the state of Missouri. We treat the highest number of patients with ruptured and unruptured brain aneurysms, arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) and Moyamoya disease in the region
Leading-edge technology: Thanks to our research involvement, our team often has early access to the latest technologies. In some cases, you may qualify for new and promising therapies through clinical trials.
Timely stroke treatment: Our acute stroke teams provide some of the quickest door-to-treatment times in the country. We provide critical interventions as swiftly as possible, leading to better stroke outcomes and a lower risk of complications.

Types of cerebrovascular disease

Cerebrovascular diseases are conditions that affect the blood vessels and blood flow in your brain. They often require emergency intervention to restore blood supply and prevent brain damage.

Types of cerebrovascular disease include:

Arteriovenous malformation (AVM)
An AVM is an irregular connection between veins and arteries in the brain.
Brain aneurysm
An aneurysm occurs when a weak spot in one of the brain's blood vessels bulges and fills with blood.
Carotid artery stenosis
The blood vessels that supply blood to your brain (carotid arteries) narrow and block blood flow. This occurs when a fatty substance called plaque builds up in your arteries.
Moyamoya disease
This rare cerebrovascular disorder causes a narrowing in the blood vessels that supply blood to the brain (carotid arteries).
Stroke
A stroke occurs when there's a disruption in blood flow in your brain. Stroke requires emergency treatment to minimize brain damage.
Transient ischemic attack (TIA)
A TIA occurs when you have a brief interruption in your brain's blood flow. It can cause similar symptoms as a stroke and may be a warning of a future stroke.

How are cerebrovascular disorders treated?

Cerebrovascular disease treatment varies depending on the specific condition and symptoms you have. In most cases, you need to start treatment quickly to minimize damage to brain tissue.

In some cases, we need to access your brain with open surgery where we remove a piece of your skull. We may perform open surgeries to stop brain bleeding, remove malformations or prevent future bleeding. We may also prescribe medicines that improve blood flow, such as blood thinners or blood pressure medications. If you experience a stroke, you may need a clot-busting medicine.

Other treatment options for cerebrovascular disorders include:

Endovascular treatments
Interventional neuroradiologists identify and remove clots using small catheters inserted into the brain's arteries.
Microsurgery
We are leaders in the mini (keyhole) craniotomy, a microsurgery technique where we make a very small opening in the skull to access blood vessels.
Radiosurgery
We may use radiosurgery to reach small, unruptured AVMs. We use small, precise doses of radiation to shrink and destroy irregular blood vessels.

Locations

Barnes-Jewish Hospital

Cerebrovascular Disorders News & Resources

Schedule your appointment

Call (314) 362-9355 or (800) 392-0936 to schedule your appointment with a specialist.

Find a specialist Request an appointment