Evaluation and Treatment

Henry Ford Health is a leader in diagnosing and treating cerebrovascular diseases. Our team is among the most knowledgeable in Michigan in treating these rare and complex conditions.

You have access to the full range of services, including sophisticated tests and innovative treatments. Our experts work together to determine the services that are best for your unique situation.

Cerebrovascular disease evaluation and treatment at Henry Ford: Why choose us?

Henry Ford is home to some of the world’s foremost cerebrovascular disease experts. We have been researching and treating conditions such as arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) for decades. This depth of experience translates to a level of care that few centers can match.

Our team includes specialists in neurosurgery, minimally invasive (endovascular) procedures and skull base surgery. We coordinate all the tests and treatments you need, giving you the best chances for good results. Our personalized approach includes carefully considering your options and only recommending surgery or a procedure if it will help you.

Cerebrovascular disease evaluation

Exceptional cerebrovascular disease care starts with a timely and thorough evaluation. Our reputation for accurately diagnosing complex cerebrovascular disease draws patients from across Michigan.

We perform physical and neurologic evaluations to assess symptoms and effects on brain functioning. Evaluations may also include imaging studies to check for enlarged blood vessels or malformations. Henry Ford offers all of the options you may need, including:

Noninvasive cerebrovascular imaging

These tests use technologies to capture images from outside your body. They include:

• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) uses a powerful magnet and radio waves.
• Computed tomography (CT) scans involve X-rays from different angles and a computer that assembles them to create 3D images of blood vessels. Read more about CT scans.
• Ultrasound creates blood vessel images using a hand-held device and sound waves.

Cerebrovascular angiography

Angiography enables a more in-depth evaluation of blood vessels using long thin tubes (catheters) with sophisticated cameras at the tip. We access the blood vessels by making an injection in the artery in your groin and advancing the catheters up to your head or neck. During an angiographic procedure, we can perform various treatments.

Comprehensive care for cerebrovascular disease

Henry Ford offers the full range of treatments, enabling you to receive world-class care close to home. Our active role in research includes optimizing many of today’s most promising care methods. The treatment that’s best for you depends on the diagnosis and your medical history.

Surgery and other procedures for cerebrovascular disease

Cerebrovascular disease care often includes surgery or a minimally invasive procedure. Our experience from performing a high volume of procedures helps us maintain exceptional outcomes.

Offerings include:

• Neurosurgery: Surgery is sometimes necessary to reduce the risk of a brain bleed or stroke. If you have a blood vessel with a weak spot that’s ballooning outward (aneurysm), surgery can help. We implant a tiny clip to divert blood away from the weak spot. Surgical microscopes and other advanced technologies help us deliver precise care. Find you more about neurosurgery.
• Endovascular procedures: After making a small incision in the groin, we use long thin tubes (catheters) to access and treat abnormal blood vessels. Instruments or devices at the catheter tip enable us treat abnormalities with less disruption to nearby healthy tissue.
• Stereotactic radiosurgery: For cerebrovascular issues, like AVMs that occur in areas we cannot safely reach with surgery, you may benefit from stereotactic radiosurgery. This option uses high-energy radiation beams to damage vessels feeding the AVM. Find out more about radiosurgery.
• Skull base surgery: This innovative technique is for cerebrovascular conditions in hard-to-reach areas. Instead of making incisions in the groin, we slide endoscopes through the nostrils. A tiny hole in the skull base enables us to access and treat the condition. Read more about skull base surgery.

Additional cerebrovascular care services

We help you get the most out of treatment with additional services that include:

• Neurocritical care: After certain procedures, you start your recovery in our neuro intensive care unit (ICU). Here you receive around-the-clock monitoring and treatments to keep your care moving forward. Get more information about our neuro ICU.
• Outpatient services: Cerebrovascular disease often requires lifelong care to check for signs of recurrence. Our team continues caring for many patients long after treatment is complete with ongoing monitoring through our cerebrovascular disease clinic.