Choosing the Right Neurovascular Center in New Jersey: Tips from Neurosurgeons

Choosing the right neurovascular center is crucial for individuals seeking diagnosis and treatment of conditions affecting the brain and blood vessels in the head and neck. Neurovascular centers specialize in managing a range of complex neurovascular disorders, making their expertise essential for a number of reasons.

What is a neurovascular center?

A neurovascular center is a specialized medical facility or department that focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and management of conditions affecting the nervous system and blood vessels in the head and neck. These centers can include a multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals with expertise in neurology, neurosurgery, interventional neuroradiology, vascular surgery, and other related fields. The primary goal of a neurovascular center is to provide comprehensive care for patients with complex neurovascular disorders.

What is a neurovascular disorder?

Neurovascular centers specialize in neurovascular disorders, which involve the nervous system and blood vessels. This includes disorders such as cerebral aneurysms, arteriovenous malformations (AVMs), stroke, carotid artery disease, and other vascular issues affecting the brain. 

Additionally, top neurovascular centers are equipped with advanced imaging technologies and diagnostic tools to accurately assess and diagnose neurovascular conditions.Procedures such as angiography, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and computed tomography (CT) scans are commonly used for detailed evaluations.

What kind of doctor treats neurovascular disorders? 

Neurovascular disorders are usually treated by specialists with expertise in neurovascular medicine. The type of doctor who treats neurovascular disorders may depend on the nature of the condition and the affected area. The most common clinicians who may be called on to treat a neurovascular disorder includes neurologists, neurosurgeons, interventional neuroradiologists, vascular neurologists, neurointensivists, neurorehabilitation specialists, and neuropsychologists. At New Jersey Brain and Spine, neurovascular procedures are performed only by neurosurgeons who specialize in these disorders. 

What makes a good neurovascular center in New Jersey?

According to our own surgeons at New Jersey Brain and Spine, patients looking for the right neurovascular center should seek out centers that employ neurosurgeons with specific expertise in neurovascular disorders.

These specialists have advanced training and experience in managing conditions such as aneurysms, arteriovenous malformations (AVMs), stroke, and other complex neurovascular issues.

Additionally, when seeking out the right neurovascular center, patients should consider advanced diagnostics and technology in their decision making process. The right center will include imaging and diagnostic tools that allow for accurate and detailed assessments of neurovascular conditions. Advanced imaging techniques, such as angiography and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), are essential for proper diagnosis and treatment planning.

New Jersey Brain and Spine is proud to be the primary practicing team at Hackensack University medical Center. HUMC is the leading hospital in the Hackensack Meridian Health network offering highly specialized neurovascular care. 

 

Success stories at a neurovascular center

When considering what neurovascular center is right for you, it’s also important to consider what success stories can be attributed to the center and care team. For instance, at New Jersey Brain and Spine, our patients have experienced fulfilling, active lives post treatment. 

As an example, Patty Petrula was training for her first triathlon when she collapsed at the gym and was rushed to the hospital, where Dr. Daniel Walzman determined she had suffered a ruptured brain aneurysm. However, two weeks later, Patty walked out of our centers free and clear and has since gone on to complete a half marathon.

 

Neurosurgeon tips: What else to consider when looking for a neurovascular center

The team at New Jersey Brain and Spine came together to outline our top six’ other considerations to asses when choosing a neurovascular center: 

  1. Having a multidisciplinary approach: Neurovascular disorders often require a multidisciplinary approach involving collaboration among various specialists. A good neurovascular center brings together neurosurgeons, neurologists, neuroradiologists, and other relevant specialists to discuss and plan the most effective and personalized treatment for each patient.
  2. Comprehensive treatment options: Neurovascular centers offer a wide range of treatment options, including both surgical and non-surgical interventions. Surgical procedures, such as aneurysm clipping or vascular malformation embolization, are often performed by highly skilled neurosurgeons. 
  3. Experience with complex cases: Neurovascular centers often handle complex and challenging cases that may require a high level of expertise and experience. The healthcare professionals in these centers are well-equipped to manage both routine and rare neurovascular conditions.
  4. Research and innovation: Many neurovascular centers are involved in ongoing research and clinical trials related to neurovascular disorders. Being part of a center with a strong focus on research ensures that patients may have access to the latest advancements and innovative treatments.
  5. Emergency services: Neurovascular disorders, such as strokes or ruptured aneurysms, may require immediate attention. A well-equipped neurovascular center is prepared to provide emergency services, including timely diagnostics and interventions.
  6. Rehabilitation Services: Neurovascular disorders can sometimes lead to neurological deficits that require rehabilitation services. Neurovascular centers may have access to rehabilitation programs and specialists to support patients in their recovery.

Why New Jersey Brain and Spine is the right neurovascular center for you

For more than 30 years, the experienced physician team at New Jersey Brain and Spine has delivered highly-skilled and compassionate care to more than 40,000 patients with complex brain, spine and neurological conditions. Please contact us today to decide if we are the right option for your care and treatment.

We also offer an expert second opinion service should you wish to discuss your treatment options. For more information, or to request a second opinion, reach out to us immediately by calling 201-342-2550 or emailing us at secondopinion@NJBrainSpine.com

 

Our priority is restoring health and quality of life through expert, compassionate care.

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