Brain Aneurysm Embolization
Brain Aneurysm Embolization in Thousand Oaks, CA
Receiving a diagnosis of a brain aneurysm is a life-changing event. However, seeking treatment through minimally-invasive brain aneurysm embolization with a highly experienced surgeon reduces your risk of rupture.
Dr. M. Asif Taqi, MD is a quintuple board-certified neurosurgeon with extensive experience and expertise in treating brain aneurysms. As the founder of the Ventura Elvo Score and Medical Director of Neuroscience at both Los Robles Hospital and West Hills Hospital, Dr. Taqi is a leading expert in the treatment and prevention of brain aneurysms.
Dr. Taqi understands the importance of treating a brain aneurysm swiftly and precisely. Personally impacted by the outcome of a brain aneurysm of a family member, Dr. Taqi compassionately takes the time to walk you through the embolization procedure and answer any questions you might have. Contact us today to arrange your consultation in Thousand Oaks or West Hills.
How is brain aneurysm embolization performed?
There was a time when the only option available to brain aneurysm patients was an invasive brain surgery to “clip” the aneurysm. While clipping is still performed for some patients, medical advances have given rise to the safe and highly effective embolization procedure, which allows treatment of the aneurysm without surgical opening of the skull. As the Medical Director of Neuroscience at both Los Robles Hospital and West Hills Hospital and a leading stroke specialist, Dr. Taqi is an expert in treating brain aneurysms to prevent rupture using the embolization procedure.
Embolization of your brain aneurysm is performed endovascularly, which means that Dr. Taqi accesses the aneurysm through your vascular system in a location other than the brain. During the procedure, a catheter is placed into an artery, usually in the groin. Because the arteries all connect, it is possible to push a thin wire through the catheter all the way into the brain aneurysm. This tiny platinum wire is guided into the ballooning portion of the artery, where it is directed to coil up inside the aneurysm. This “coiling” causes the formation of a clot in the space and effectively seals off the aneurysm.
How can I best prepare for my consultation?
The best way to prepare for your consultation with Dr. Taqi is to gather your medical records. Any imaging or scans that you’ve had in the past can be obtained in DVD format, and you should also get any medical notes from your past providers. Also, bring in a list of all of your current medications.
Recovery from brain aneurysm embolization
Because brain aneurysm embolization does not require opening the skull, the recovery from fairly straightforward. Dr. Taqi advises patients who’ve had an embolization to take at least 72 hours off from work, but you may resume driving the day after your surgery. To protect your incision site as it heals, you should refrain from lifting anything greater than 10 pounds until Dr. Taqi clears you, usually within a few weeks of your procedure.
If you’ve been diagnosed with a brain aneurysm, explore your options by seeking the advice of leading stroke specialist and experienced neurosurgeon, Dr. M. Asif Taqi. Contact us or call 805.242.4884 to schedule your appointment today.
FAQS: Brain aneurysm embolization treatment with Dr. Taqi
While brain aneurysm embolization will reduce your risk of rupture and hemorrhagic stroke, the procedure itself is not without risk. Though rare, you may experience bleeding or loss of blood flow in part of the brain. An additional risk is that you may need another procedure in the future if the aneurysm reopens.
Not all brain aneurysms should be treated through embolization. In some cases, clipping may be more appropriate, and in others, no treatment at all may be advised. With his extensive, specialized training in neurosurgery and stroke prevention, Dr. Taqi will take a number of factors into consideration, such as your overall health status, the size and location of the aneurysm, and any other conditions you might have, in determining the best treatment plan for you.
There are several lifestyle factors that contribute to rupture of a brain aneurysm. To reduce your risk as much as possible, you can refrain from smoking and alcohol use. High blood pressure is often controlled through medications, but you can make improvements to your diet and exercise habits to enhance your cardiovascular condition.
Flow diverters are newer technological advancements that move blood away from the aneurysm and allow treatment of aneurysms that may be particularly large or untreatable with other options. Dr. Taqi will review your records and may do additional studies to determine the best course of action to treat your brain aneurysm.