Vascular (Stroke) Neurology Scope: Conditions, Diseases, Treatments, and Procedures
Vascular neurology, also known as stroke neurology, is a subspecialty of neurology that focuses on diseases and disorders of the central nervous system (CNS) caused by or related to blood circulation. It is concerned with diagnosing and treating conditions resulting from clots, plaque buildup, aneurysms, and other blood vessel irregularities in the CNS.
Vascular neurologists specialize in the diagnosis, management and treatment of cerebrovascular diseases, including stroke, transient ischemic attack (TIA), carotid artery disease, intracranial atherosclerosis, cerebral aneurysms, vasculitis, and other vascular disorders.
Vascular neurologists are trained in neurology and have additional training in vascular neurology through a fellowship program. The scope of their practice includes patient care, research and education.
In patient care, vascular neurologists focus on the prevention and treatment of stroke, TIA, and other cerebrovascular diseases. This includes diagnosing patients using imaging tests such as MRI or CT scans, performing angiograms to evaluate the condition of blood vessels, and providing lifestyle advice about physical activity, diet and smoking cessation. Vascular neurologists also use drugs to treat stroke-related conditions. They may perform or obtain a variety of interventional procedures to treat cerebrovascular diseases, depending on the patient’s condition. These can include antithrombolytic therapy (e.g., tPA), endovascular therapy (e.g., angioplasty or stent placement), carotid endarterectomy, coil embolization of aneurysms, shunt placement for hydrocephalus, and more.
Vascular neurologists may perform or obtain interventional procedures to treat narrowed or blocked arteries.
In research, vascular neurologists often collaborate with colleagues from a variety of disciplines to investigate the causes of cerebrovascular disease, develop new treatments and improve existing ones. They may participate in clinical trials or laboratory studies involving stroke patients or animal models.
Finally, vascular neurologists often teach medical students and residents about the diagnosis and treatment of cerebrovascular diseases. They may also educate healthcare professionals about proper management of stroke patients.
Qualifications, Training, and Certifications
Vascular neurology is an important subspecialty that requires advanced training and specialized qualifications in order to properly diagnose and treat conditions resulting from clots, plaque buildup and aneurysms in the CNS.
To become a vascular neurologist, a physician must complete a four-year residency program in neurology. After this, they complete a fellowship program in vascular neurology. The American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology offers a Certificate of Added Qualification (CAQ) in Vascular Neurology, which can be obtained after completing an approved fellowship program.
Training Requirements: During the fellowship program, Vascular Neurologists will receive advanced training in the diagnosis, management and treatment of cerebrovascular diseases, including stroke, transient ischemic attack (TIA), carotid artery disease, intracranial atherosclerosis, cerebral aneurysms, vasculitis, and other vascular disorders. They will also learn about peripheral nerve disorders, such as diabetic neuropathy. Fellows gain experience with imaging tests such as MRI and CT scans, angiograms to evaluate the condition of blood vessels, and lifestyle advice about physical activity, diet and smoking cessation. They may also receive training in the use of drugs to treat stroke-related conditions and interventional procedures to treat narrowed or blocked arteries.
Related Medical Specialties to Vascular (Stroke) Neurology
There are a many medical specialties that work closely with vascular neurologists, particularly to diagnose and treat stroke patients. These include
Cardiology: Cardiologists specialize in diagnosing and treating diseases and conditions of the heart, such as coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure, arrhythmia, and more. They often collaborate with vascular neurologists to diagnose and treat stroke patients, most commonly related to irregular cardiac rhythms that predispose to embolic strokes.
Neurosurgery: Neurosurgeons specialize in performing surgery on the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves to treat diseases such as brain tumors, aneurysms, degenerative disc disease, spinal stenosis, hydrocephalus, and more. They often work with vascular neurologists to perform interventional procedures to improve blood flow, repair bleeds via craniotomy and shunt, and treat narrowed or blocked arteries.
Emergency Medicine: Emergency medicine physicians specialize in diagnosing and treating acute illnesses or injuries that require immediate medical attention. They are often the first point of contact for stroke patients and will coordinate with vascular neurologists.
Radiology and Neuroradiology: Radiologists specialize in interpreting images of the body such as X-rays, CT scans, MRI scans, and ultrasound. They can help vascular neurologists diagnose stroke patients by providing detailed images of the brain’s blood vessels.
Medical-Legal Cases Involving Vascular (Stroke) Neurology
Medical-legal cases involving vascular neurologists can arise when they alleged fail to properly diagnose a stroke patient’s condition and, as a result, the patient suffers further injury or death. They are also needed to evaluate causation/damages in cases involving an alleged failure to diagnose or treat by a physician other than a vascular neurologist.