Cerebrovascular Disorders

UT Southwestern Medical Center’s team of specialists offers innovative, patient-centered care for a wide range of cerebrovascular disorders, from the common to the complex and rare.

As a regional referral center for cerebrovascular disorders and an Advanced Comprehensive Stroke Center, we offer the highest level of care available. Our long history of cerebrovascular expertise has allowed us to introduce new treatments to patients from across the country through innovative research and groundbreaking techniques.

What Are Cerebrovascular Disorders?

Cerebrovascular disorders are diseases that affect the blood vessels of the neck, spinal cord, and brain. Many of these diseases can be complicated by stroke (or lack of blood flow to the brain), but the goal of an advanced cerebrovascular center is to prevent stroke through proactive, safe management of the disease.

Cerebrovascular diseases include:

Strokes
Brain aneurysms
Brain vascular malformations, such as arteriovenous malformations (AVMs), cavernomas, dural arteriovenous fistula (DAVF), and venous angiomas
Moyamoya disease
Carotid atherosclerotic disease (carotid artery disease)
Carotid cavernous fistulas
Intracranial stenosis (narrowing of the arteries or veins)
Cranial and spinal dural fistulas
Rare and genetic disorders that include but are not limited to cerebral autosomal dominant arteriopathy with subcortical infarcts and leukoencephalopathy (CADASIL) and cerebral amyloid angiopathy

Cerebrovascular disorders can present a significant threat to a patient’s health and may require emergent care.

Why Choose UT Southwestern for Cerebrovascular Care?

UT Southwestern’s team of neurosurgeons, neurologists, neuroradiologists, neurointensivists, rehabilitation physicians, and other specialists work together to deliver the best outcomes for patients. We are proud to provide expert diagnosis and treatment at every stage, from urgent neurosurgical care to long-term condition monitoring.

As a regional referral center for cerebrovascular diseases, we serve patients across Texas and from surrounding states (Oklahoma, New Mexico, Arkansas, and Louisiana). Several UT Southwestern facilities have obtained additional certifications to allow for cerebrovascular and stroke specialization. Because of our robust telemedicine platform and international airport, we frequently provide care to patients who are more remote.

Our neuroimaging specialists employ advanced technology to provide timely evaluations that guide decisions on surgical intervention or conservative monitoring. Our neurosurgeons are leaders in delivering the full spectrum of treatments for cerebrovascular disorders, ranging from minimally invasive techniques to complex bypass surgeries.

For stroke patients, the Robert D. Rogers Advanced Comprehensive Stroke Center offers the highest level of care, supported by UT Southwestern’s neuro ICU — the largest in North Texas — at our William P. Clements Jr. University Hospital. The unit is staffed by a specialized team managing all aspects of life-threatening cerebrovascular disorders.

Our patients also benefit from ongoing clinical trials that give them access to leading-edge research and therapeutic advances, often before these options are available at other hospitals.

What Are the Symptoms of Cerebrovascular Disorders?

Signs of cerebrovascular disorders vary depending on where in the brain the problem occurs. Symptoms can include:

Arm, leg, or face weakness on one side
Difficulty speaking, moving, or walking
Confusion
Seizures
Severe headache
Blurred or double vision
Dizziness or loss of balance
Nausea and vomiting

How Are Cerebrovascular Disorders Diagnosed?

We evaluate patients using the most advanced imaging techniques, including:

3 Tesla magnetic resonance imaging (3T MRI), which uses stronger magnetic fields than the standard MRI
Vessel wall imaging to assess inflammation or abnormalities
Catheter angiography, a minimally invasive procedure that visualizes blood vessels using contrast dye
Single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) to measure blood flow in the brain
Perfusion imaging (MRI/CT) to evaluate blood supply to brain tissue
Transcranial doppler and carotid ultrasound interpreted by neurosonology-certified physicians to assess blood flow in major arteries

Stroke Care at UT Southwestern

UT Southwestern’s comprehensive stroke care includes rapid diagnosis, advanced treatment options, and a highly specialized care team. Our coordinated care improves stroke outcomes.

How Are Cerebrovascular Disorders Treated?

Treatment will depend on the type and severity of the cerebrovascular disorder. Options include:

Medications such as blood thinners to prevent clotting; blood pressure medicine to lower blood pressure; and statins to lower cholesterol
Endovascular procedures, which are minimally invasive procedures that can be used to repair blood vessels (aneurysms) or remove blockages (thrombectomy)
Stereotactic radiosurgery, a noninvasive procedure that delivers precise radiation to treat vascular abnormalities
Microsurgery to repair blood vessels (aneurysms), remove malformations (AVMs) or clear blockages (carotid endarterectomy (CEA))
Regular cerebrovascular specialist follow-up: For some patients, careful monitoring of these diseases will determine if or when treatment is needed
Referral to other UT Southwestern specialists for management of risk factors that may contribute to cerebrovascular disease

Many patients may also benefit from rehabilitation services, including physical therapy and speech therapy, to support recovery.

Which Clinical Trials Are Available for Cerebrovascular Disorders?

UT Southwestern is active in research and clinical trials to improve understanding and treatment for patients with cerebrovascular diseases. Our research has addressed crucial questions about carotid disease, intracranial large vessel disease, the effect of glucose control and hypertension in acute stroke patients, and the use of antiplatelet and anticoagulant medication.

We are creating a real-world data platform to advance research in vascular contributions to cognitive impairment and dementia and developing patient-centered prediction tools to empower stroke patients regarding stroke care and prevention.

Search for current clinical trials and learn about cerebrovascular research at UT Southwestern.