Frequently Asked Questions About Advanced Neurology & Neuroendovascular Surgery

Question 1

What symptoms should prompt me to see a neurologist or neuroendovascular specialist?

Accepted Answer

If you're experiencing persistent headaches, dizziness, numbness, weakness, seizures, memory changes, vision disturbances, or sudden neurological symptoms, it's important to seek expert evaluation. These signs may indicate conditions affecting the brain, spine, or blood vessels that require specialized neurological or neuroendovascular care.

Question 2

What is neuroendovascular surgery, and how is it different from traditional surgery?

Accepted Answer

Neuroendovascular surgery is a minimally invasive approach that treats conditions of the brain, spine, and blood vessels from inside the arteries using catheters and advanced imaging. Unlike open surgery, it typically requires no large incisions, reduces recovery time, and lowers procedural risk while achieving highly precise outcomes.

Question 3

What conditions can be treated with minimally invasive neurovascular procedures?

Accepted Answer

Many serious conditions can be treated endovascularly, including stroke, brain aneurysms, arteriovenous malformations (AVMs), subarachnoid hemorrhage, carotid artery disease, dural arteriovenous fistulas (dAVFs), pulsatile tinnitus, and certain head and neck tumors.

Question 4

How do I know if my condition requires urgent neurological care?

Accepted Answer

Sudden symptoms such as facial drooping, slurred speech, weakness on one side of the body, severe headache, loss of vision, confusion, or seizures may indicate a neurological emergency like stroke or hemorrhage. Immediate evaluation can be life-saving and brain-preserving.

Question 5

What is a stroke thrombectomy, and who is a candidate?

Accepted Answer

Stroke thrombectomy is a minimally invasive procedure used to remove large blood clots from brain arteries during an ischemic stroke. Patients with specific imaging findings and symptom onset within a defined time window may qualify. Rapid evaluation is critical for optimal outcomes.

Question 6

Can brain aneurysms be treated without open brain surgery?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Many brain aneurysms can be treated using endovascular techniques such as embolization, stents, or flow-diverting devices. These approaches reduce rupture risk while avoiding open surgery and lengthy hospital stays.

Question 7

What are AVMs, and how are they treated?

Accepted Answer

Arteriovenous malformations are abnormal connections between arteries and veins that disrupt normal blood flow. AVM embolization is often used to safely reduce or eliminate these abnormal vessels, lowering the risk of bleeding and neurological damage.

Question 8

What is carotid angioplasty and stenting used for?

Accepted Answer

Carotid angioplasty and stenting are performed to treat narrowing or blockage in the carotid arteries, which supply blood to the brain. This minimally invasive treatment reduces stroke risk and improves cerebral circulation.

Question 9

How does your team approach complex neurological diagnoses?

Accepted Answer

We use advanced imaging, detailed neurological exams, and specialized diagnostic testing such as EEG, EMG, Wada testing, and vascular studies. Every treatment plan is individualized, emphasizing clarity, accuracy, and patient understanding.

Question 10

What makes a vascular neurointerventionalist different from a general neurologist?

Accepted Answer

A vascular neurointerventionalist has advanced training in minimally invasive procedures that treat brain and spinal blood vessel disorders. This expertise allows for both diagnosis and treatment of complex neurovascular conditions using catheter-based techniques.

Question 11

What should I expect during my first appointment?

Accepted Answer

Your initial visit includes a comprehensive medical history review, neurological examination, and evaluation of prior imaging or testing. If needed, additional diagnostics will be ordered to determine the most effective and least invasive treatment options.

Question 12

Are these neurological and endovascular procedures safe?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Minimally invasive neuroendovascular procedures are supported by extensive clinical research and performed using real-time imaging for precision. Our team prioritizes safety, outcomes, and evidence-based decision-making at every step.

Question 13

Will I need surgery, or are there non-surgical options?

Accepted Answer

Not every neurological condition requires surgery. Many patients benefit from medication management, monitoring, targeted injections, infusion therapies, or minimally invasive procedures rather than open surgery.

Question 14

Do you accept insurance, and are you taking new patients?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We accept most major insurance plans and are currently welcoming new patients. Our administrative team helps verify coverage and guide you through the process with transparency and clarity.

Question 15

How do I schedule an appointment with the Vascular Neuroscience Institute in Southern California and Nevada?

Accepted Answer

You can schedule an appointment by calling our office or submitting an online request. Our team will coordinate care at the most convenient location and connect you with the appropriate neurological or neuroendovascular specialist to begin your care journey.

Question 16

Where is the Vascular Neuroscience Institute located?

Accepted Answer

We have five amazingly convenient locations to serve patients throughout California and Nevada: Las Vegas at 3196 S Maryland Pkwy, Las Vegas, NV 89109; Santa Barbara at 2403 Castillo Street, Ste 203, Santa Barbara, CA 93105; Lancaster at 44105 W 15th Street, Ste 204, Lancaster, CA 93534; Thousand Oaks at 2190 Lynn Rd, Ste 300, Thousand Oaks, CA 91360; and West Hills at 7320 Woodlake Ave, Ste 170, West Hills, CA 91307.

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