What symptoms of a brain aneurysm, AVM or other neurovascular disorder should never be ignored?

Sudden, excruciating "thunderclap" headaches, unexplained neurological deficits (like facial droop or limb weakness) and sudden vision changes are medical emergencies that cannot be ignored. These can indicate a ruptured brain aneurysm or an acute bleed from an Arteriovenous Malformation (AVM).

How are neurovascular disorders diagnosed, and what do tests like CTA, MRA and cerebral angiography show?

Neurovascular disorders are diagnosed using advanced neurological exams and non-invasive or invasive imaging techniques. Both CTA and MRA provide detailed, 3D visualizations of blood vessels to detect blockages, aneurysms or malformations; CTA utilizes X-rays and contrast dye, whereas MRA uses magnetic fields and radio waves. Cerebral angiography serves as the diagnostic gold standard, utilizing a catheter and X-ray fluoroscopy to produce highly precise, real-time images of blood flow to map vascular lesions.

How will my doctor decide between observation, microsurgery, endovascular treatment and radiosurgery to treat my neurovascular disorder?

Your doctor will weigh the lesion's size, shape and location against your overall health and symptom severity. They may recommend observation for benign or asymptomatic conditions. If intervention is required, microsurgery or endovascular treatment offer immediate structural relief, while radiosurgery is usually reserved for smaller, deep or surgically inaccessible targets.

What are the differences between surgical clipping, coiling, flow diversion and embolization for a brain aneurysm or AVM?

Surgical clipping requires an open craniotomy to place a permanent metal clip across the aneurysm's base. Endovascular techniques are minimally invasive, routed through the bloodstream with a catheter. Coiling densely packs the aneurysm with soft platinum coils, flow diversion alters parent vessel blood dynamics using a dense, mesh-like stent. Embolization permanently blocks abnormal vessels using coils, liquids or glue to treat both aneurysms and AVMs.

What is recovery like after treatment for a neurovascular disorder, and what kind of follow-up imaging will I need?

Recovery after neurovascular treatment varies by the procedure, often requiring a few days of a hospital stay for minimally invasive endovascular techniques, or up to several weeks for open surgery. Patients typically resume light activities within weeks, while avoiding strenuous lifting. Long-term monitoring is vital, necessitating regular follow-up scans like MR angiography or CT angiography at roughly six months, one year and periodically thereafter to ensure stability and monitor for recurrence.

Neurovascular Disorders and Aneurysm Care

A doctor in a white coat and green shirt talks to a patient in a blue and white patterned shirt.

Expert Care for Stroke, Aneurysm and Other Neurovascular Conditions

Your brain is what makes you, you. It controls your thoughts, memories, movements and more. When you need neurovascular care, you deserve compassionate expertise. And at AdventHealth Neuroscience Institute network, you’ll be in the best hands with dedicated experts who specialize in neurosurgery, neurointerventional radiology and more.

Whether you’re facing arteriovenous malformation or a condition like carotid stenosis, our team will strive to answer your questions, understand your needs and design a treatment plan just for you.

Expert Neurovascular Specialists

Our multidisciplinary team cares for patients with complex neurovascular conditions using advanced expertise and a personalized approach to treatment.
Advanced Treatments and Technology

From minimally invasive procedures to complex surgery, we use advanced imaging and treatment options to deliver precise, individualized care.
Support Every Step of the Way

Care coordinators, nurses and specialists work together to help you understand your diagnosis, treatment plan and what comes next.

Blood vessel conditions affecting the brain and spinal cord can require specialized evaluation and treatment. Our team helps patients and families understand the diagnosis and connects them with the right care.

Artery and Vein Disorders

Carotid Cavernous Fistula
Carotid Dissection
Carotid and Vertebral Artery Disease
Intracranial Stenosis

Stroke and Aneurysm Conditions

Brain Aneurysm
Intracranial Hemorrhage
Stroke
Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA)

Vascular Malformations

Arteriovenous Fistula (AVF)
Arteriovenous Malformation (AVM)
Cavernous Malformation
Dural Arteriovenous Fistula

Every treatment plan is built around your diagnosis, symptoms and long-term goals. We help you understand every recommendation so you can feel informed and confident about your care.

Advanced Neurovascular Imaging and Diagnosis: Advanced imaging helps our specialists understand what is affecting the blood vessels in the brain or spinal cord so we can recommend the right treatment.
Advanced MRI, CT and cerebral angiography
Imaging that helps confirm complex diagnoses
Personalized treatment planning
Clear explanations about your results and next steps
Endovascular Treatment: Some neurovascular conditions can be treated through minimally invasive procedures performed inside the blood vessels. These approaches may reduce recovery time while providing highly targeted treatment.
Treatment may include:
Endovascular coiling
Flow diversion
Embolization
Woven EndoBridge (WEB) technology for appropriate aneurysms
Other catheter-based procedures when appropriate
Stroke Treatment and Mechanical Thrombectomy: When a stroke occurs, every minute counts. Our neurovascular team works quickly to restore blood flow and reduce the risk of permanent brain injury whenever possible.
Care may include:
Emergency stroke evaluation
Mechanical thrombectomy for eligible patients
Advanced imaging to guide treatment decisions
Coordinated care with stroke specialists throughout recovery
Radiosurgery and Specialized Neurovascular Procedures: Some conditions can be treated without traditional open surgery. We offer advanced procedures designed to treat complex neurovascular disorders while protecting healthy brain tissue whenever possible. Treatment options may include:
Gamma Knife® radiosurgery (available in Orlando)
Microsurgical treatment
Personalized procedure planning
Multidisciplinary review for complex cases
Gamma Knife Radiosurgery
Despite the name, there are no blades or incisions used during a Gamma Knife procedure. The AdventHealth Neuroscience Institute network has the only medical facility in Central Florida using this innovative, no-incision procedure. Using Gamma Knife technology, our neurovascular specialists can treat neurovascular disorders with precision, minimizing damage to the surrounding tissue.

How Gamma Knife Treats Brain Tumors

Learn More about "Gamma Knife® Program" at AdventHealth
Recovery, Follow-Up and Long-Term Care: Recovery continues long after treatment. Our team follows your progress and works closely with your referring providers to support your long-term health.
Support includes:
Follow-up imaging and monitoring
Rehabilitation planning
Ongoing specialist visits
Education and guidance for patients and families

The more you know about your neurovascular condition, the more empowered you’ll be as you and your family take care of your health. We’re here to answer these frequently asked questions. Your care team will be there to answer additional questions you have — big or small — throughout your journey.

Question: What symptoms of a brain aneurysm, AVM or other neurovascular disorder should never be ignored?

Answer:

Sudden, excruciating "thunderclap" headaches, unexplained neurological deficits (like facial droop or limb weakness) and sudden vision changes are medical emergencies that cannot be ignored. These can indicate a ruptured brain aneurysm or an acute bleed from an Arteriovenous Malformation (AVM).
Question: How are neurovascular disorders diagnosed, and what do tests like CTA, MRA and cerebral angiography show?

Answer:

Neurovascular disorders are diagnosed using advanced neurological exams and non-invasive or invasive imaging techniques. Both CTA and MRA provide detailed, 3D visualizations of blood vessels to detect blockages, aneurysms or malformations; CTA utilizes X-rays and contrast dye, whereas MRA uses magnetic fields and radio waves. Cerebral angiography serves as the diagnostic gold standard, utilizing a catheter and X-ray fluoroscopy to produce highly precise, real-time images of blood flow to map vascular lesions.
Question: How will my doctor decide between observation, microsurgery, endovascular treatment and radiosurgery to treat my neurovascular disorder?

Answer:

Your doctor will weigh the lesion's size, shape and location against your overall health and symptom severity. They may recommend observation for benign or asymptomatic conditions. If intervention is required, microsurgery or endovascular treatment offer immediate structural relief, while radiosurgery is usually reserved for smaller, deep or surgically inaccessible targets.
Question: What are the differences between surgical clipping, coiling, flow diversion and embolization for a brain aneurysm or AVM?

Answer:

Surgical clipping requires an open craniotomy to place a permanent metal clip across the aneurysm's base. Endovascular techniques are minimally invasive, routed through the bloodstream with a catheter. Coiling densely packs the aneurysm with soft platinum coils, flow diversion alters parent vessel blood dynamics using a dense, mesh-like stent. Embolization permanently blocks abnormal vessels using coils, liquids or glue to treat both aneurysms and AVMs.
Question: What is recovery like after treatment for a neurovascular disorder, and what kind of follow-up imaging will I need?

Answer:

Recovery after neurovascular treatment varies by the procedure, often requiring a few days of a hospital stay for minimally invasive endovascular techniques, or up to several weeks for open surgery. Patients typically resume light activities within weeks, while avoiding strenuous lifting. Long-term monitoring is vital, necessitating regular follow-up scans like MR angiography or CT angiography at roughly six months, one year and periodically thereafter to ensure stability and monitor for recurrence.

You’re not on this path alone, and you don’t have to go far to find personalized neurovascular disorder care within the AdventHealth Neuroscience Institute network. We offer leading-edge treatments and compassionate care for the full range of neurovascular conditions, including stroke and aneurysms, carotid stenosis, AVFs and AVMs and more — all coordinated through a trusted national network. Explore your care options close to home with the guidance of our dedicated team. We’ll help you find the right fit, so you’re in the best setting to get the care you need.

Neurovascular Disorders and Aneurysm Care

Expert Care for Stroke, Aneurysm and Other Neurovascular Conditions

Why Families Trust Our Team

Expert Neurovascular Specialists

Advanced Treatments and Technology

Support Every Step of the Way