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

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.

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

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.

What conditions can be treated with minimally invasive neurovascular procedures?

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.

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

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.

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

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.

Can brain aneurysms be treated without open brain surgery?

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.

What are AVMs, and how are they treated?

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.

What is carotid angioplasty and stenting used for?

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.

How does your team approach complex neurological diagnoses?

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.

What makes a vascular neurointerventionalist different from a general neurologist?

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.

What should I expect during my first appointment?

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.

Are these neurological and endovascular procedures safe?

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

Where is the Vascular Neuroscience Institute located?

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.

Research & Publications

Dr. Taqi and his associates’ research reflects a longstanding commitment to advancing the science and practice of neurovascular care. Over more than a decade, their work has contributed to pivotal clinical trials, multicenter registries, and innovative device development focused on improving outcomes for patients with stroke, cerebral aneurysms, and other complex neurological conditions.

A significant portion of Dr. Taqi’s published research centers on acute ischemic stroke and mechanical thrombectomy, research that has shaped best practices and elevated standards of care worldwide.

In addition to stroke intervention, our physicians’ published research spans aneurysm treatment, innovative device applications, glioma management, spinal cord injury, and complex cerebrovascular techniques. This research reflects both technical expertise and a systems-level approach, improving long-term patient outcomes.

Together, these publications represent a dedication to evidence-based medicine, technological innovation, and improved access to life-saving neurointerventional therapies. We invite you to explore Dr. Taqi and his associates’ published works below and learn more about the research that continues to influence the evolving field of neurovascular care.

Learn More About Our Team

November 2024

“Primary results from the CLEAR study of a novel stent retriever with drop zone technology”

Summary: The CLEAR study found that the novel NeVa stent retriever with drop zone technology was safe and highly effective for revascularizing acute large vessel occlusion strokes, achieving high rates of substantial reperfusion—particularly on the first pass—while demonstrating favorable 90-day functional outcomes and safety profiles compared with established performance goals.

Clinical Trial >J Neurointerv Surg. 2024 Nov 22;16(12):1220-1227. doi: 10.1136/jnis-2023-020960.

Research & Publications

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