Author: webemporium

Vertebral Artery Stenosis is a condition that can silently reduce the blood flow to the posterior part of the brain. The posterior part of the brain controls the heart rate, respiratory rate, hand and leg movements, ability to speak, eye coordination, ability to swallow our saliva, as well as walk stably. A stroke in the posterior part of the brain due to narrowing in the artery supplying it is very critical. To prevent major complications, early diagnosis and professional care are crucial.

At our clinic, under the expert guidance of Dr. Amit Aslam Khan, one of the top Neurovascular Interventionists, we offer advanced diagnosis and minimally invasive treatment options for vertebral artery stenosis with a compassionate and personalized approach.

What is Vertebral Artery Stenosis?

The Vertebral Artery Stenosis runs through the neck, supplying blood to the back of the brain. When these arteries become narrowed, due to plaque (atherosclerosis) or neck injuries, it is called Vertebral Artery Stenosis.

The narrowing of the blood flow to the blood stem and cause symptoms such as dizziness, double vision, inability to see our field of vision, difficulty in speaking, weakness in hands and legs, and inability to walk properly if left untreated.

Early Symptoms: What to Look Out for

Vertebral artery stenosis can be silent in the early stages. However, common warning signs include:

• Frequent dizziness or vertigo
• Blurred or double vision
• Unsteadiness or imbalance while walking
• Neck pain, especially during movement
• Tingling and Numbness or weakness in the arms or legs
• Sudden episodes of fainting (drop attacks)

If you experience any of these, it’s important to consult a specialist promptly.

Who is at Risk?

This is more common among individuals with:

• High blood pressure
• Diabetes
• High cholesterol levels
• Smoking history
• Sedentary lifestyle
• Past neck trauma or spine degeneration

Adopting a heart-healthy, mindful lifestyle can reduce risk and support treatment.

Diagnosis: Advanced imaging for Accurate Results

At our clinic, Dr. Amit Aslam Khan uses cutting-edge imaging tools to confirm the diagnosis and assess the severity:

• CT Angiography (CTA)
• MR Angiography (MRA)
• Digital Subtraction Angiography (DSA) – the gold standard in vascular imaging

These tests are safe, non-invasive, or minimally invasive, and help create a clear treatment plan accordingly.

Treatment Options: From mindful care to modern Procedures

Mild to Moderate cases may be managed with:

• Medications (Blood thinners, stains)
• Blood pressure and diabetes control
• Diet and lifestyle changes
• Yoga, meditation, and stress reduction

Severe Cases often require endovascular procedures:

1. Ballon Angioplasty
   This is a minimally invasive procedure used to widen the narrowed portion of the vertebral artery. Here’s how it works:

• • A thin, flexible tube called a Catheter is inserted through a small incision, usually in the wrist or groin.
  • The catheter is guided through the blood vessels to the site of narrowing in the vertebral artery.
  • A tiny balloon that is fastened to the catheter is gradually inflated.
  • Compressing the plaque against the artery wall widens the inflation of the vessel and improves the blood flow.
  • Once the artery is widened, the balloon is deflated and removed.
    
    Key benefits:
    
    No open surgery required
    Shorter recovery time
    Local anesthesia only

2. Stening
   In many cases, stenting is frequently used after balloon angioplasty to ensure the artery remains open for the long term.

• • A tiny, mesh-like metal tube called a stent is inserted at the narrowing site.
  • Once in position, the stent expands and acts as a scaffold, keeping the artery open permanently.
  • Then the stent remains in place inside the artery for life, helping maintain smooth blood flow to the brain.
    
    Why Stenting?
    
    Prevents the artery from narrowing again
    Provides long-term stability
    Reduce the risk of future strokes 

Why Choose Dr. Amit Aslam Khan?

• 20+ years of experience in neurovascular interventions
• Specialist in treating complex brain and spine vascular diseases
• Minimally invasive, image-guided techniques

“Endovascular treatment is like opening the door for oxygen to reach your brain again. It’s precise, gentle, and life-saving.” – Dr. Amit Aslam Khan

Brain aneurysms, also known as Cerebral Aneurysms, are silent but the most dangerous intracranial vascular disorders. They can rupture inside the brain, leading to haemorrhage. Early diagnosis, advanced neurovascular treatment in the form of clipping or coiling, and Neuro ICU care can significantly impact a patient’s outcome.

What Is a Cerebral Aneurysm?

A weakened or bulge area in the wall of a brain artery is called a Cerebral Aneurysm. This region may eventually balloon outward, creating a pouch-like structure. If it ruptures, it leads to bleeding in or around the brain, a subarachnoid hemorrhage, which is a medical emergency.

Warning Signs & Symptoms

Most unruptured cerebral aneurysms do not cause symptoms except for persistent headache and are often found on routine brain imaging. The following symptoms could be present in  aneurysms that rupture:

• A person experiences a sudden, severe headache
  Often referred to as the “worst headache of my life,” or “Thunder Clap Headache”. This condition requires immediate medical attention and may be a sign of a ruptured aneurysm.
  
  
• Blurred or double vision
  Vision impairment may result from the aneurysm’s pressure on nearby nerves supplying the eyes.
  
  
• Drooping eyelid
  Eyelid muscle control may be impacted by aneurysms close to the nerves that control the eye.
  
  
• Neck pain or stiffness
  Shows that the protective lining of the brain is irritated or bleeding.
  
  
• Sensitivity to light (photophobia)
  A common symptom is when bleeding affects the meninges (the brain lining).
  
  
• Sensitivity to light (photophobia)
  A common symptom is when bleeding affects the meninges (the brain lining).
  
  
• Seizures
  It may happen if the aneurysm disrupts the electrical activity of the brain.
  
  
• Loss of consciousness
  A possible outcome of elevated intracranial pressure and abrupt aneurysm rupture.

Get emergency neuro care right away if you or someone you know exhibits these symptoms – early treatment can save lives.

Why do Brain Aneurysms occur?

Understanding the risk factors behind cerebral aneurysms can help with prevention and early detection:

• Hypertension (high blood pressure)
  Aneurysms are more likely when artery walls are weakened by continuous pressure.
  
  
• Smoking
  Accelerates the weakening of artery walls and damages blood vessels.
  
  
• Family history of aneurysms
  Particularly in first-degree relatives, genetic factors may increase the chances three times.
  
  
• Head Trauma
  It can harm the walls of the blood vessels, which may result in the development of aneurysms known as dissecting or Pseudoaneurysm.

• Specific Genetic Disorders
  Blood vessel integrity can be weakened by conditions such as Ehlers-Danlos syndrome or polycystic kidney disease.
  
  
• Age (More common after 40)
  Over time, blood vessels naturally lose their elasticity, which raises the risk.
  
  
• Gender (slightly more prevalent in women)
  Vascular factors and variations in hormones might be involved.
  
  

Advanced Treatment Options Available in Delhi

Specialized care is essential after a cerebral aneurysm is diagnosed, whether it has ruptured or not. One of Delhi’s top Neurovascular Interventionists, Dr. Amit Aslam Khan, provides cutting-edge, minimally invasive procedures with the utmost safety and accuracy.

• Coiling (Endovascular Embolization)
  A thin catheter is used to guide a soft platinum coil into the aneurysm. It blocks blood flow inside, causing it to clot and preventing the rupture.
  The procedure is typically carried out under local anesthesia and is minimally invasive.
  
  
• Balloon-Assisted Coiling
  A tiny balloon is momentarily inflated during coiling to support the artery wall in an aneurysm with a broad neck. This helps in maintaining the coil’s position.
  Used for complex Aneurysm Shapes or the wide neck of aneurysms.
  
  
• Flow Diversion
  Inside the artery across the aneurysm’s opening, a small stent is inserted. It allows the vessel wall to gradually heal by rerouting blood flow away from the aneurysms.
  Best for the Giant or dissecting aneurysms.
  
  
• Intra-saccular Flow Disruptors:
  With the evolution in technology, devices are deployed within the aneurysm, preventing blood from entering the aneurysm.
  
  
• Surgical Clipping (for selected cases)
  Through open brain surgery, a tiny metal clip is inserted at the aneurysm’s neck to stop blood flow within it.
  Often done if endovascular treatment isn’t suitable or a large blood clot is there in the brain, which needs to be removed.

Prevention & Lifestyle Tips

While not all causes are avoidable, adopting these protective habits can greatly reduce your risk:

• Control Blood Pressure:
  Arteries are less stressed by routine monitoring and medication if it’s necessary.
  
  
• Quit Smoking:
  Giving up smoking reduces the risk and improves vascular health right away.
  
  
• Eat a Heart-healthy diet:
  Diets low in cholesterol and saturated fats support the maintenance of healthy blood vessels.
  
  
• Manage Stress:
  Blood pressure rises with prolonged stress. Yoga and meditation are examples of mindfulness exercises that can be beneficial.
  
  
• Limit Alcohol Intake:
  Drinking too much alcohol can harm the blood vessel walls and increase blood pressure.
  
  
• Exercise regularly:
  Strengthens your cardiovascular system, improves circulation, and helps control blood pressure.

Final Thoughts

If cerebral aneurysms are not identified and treated on time, they can be fatal. However, with the correct care, patients can live long, healthy lives. Don’t wait if you or a loved one is in danger. For professional assessment and cutting-edge treatment options, consult Dr. Amit Aslam Khan.

Cerebral Venous Thrombosis (CVT)

There are two pathways that supply blood to an organ.
One is an artery that supplies fully oxygenated blood from the heart to the brain.
The other is the vein that brings back toxins released by the organ back to the heart via the deoxygenated blood.

Cerebral Venous thrombosis is self-explanatory.  Cerebral meaning brain, venous meaning the veins of the brain, and thrombosis, meaning to clot within the veins.

It is a rare yet serious neurological disorder in which blood clots develop in the brain’s venous sinuses, blocking normal blood drainage. This blockage can lead to increased brain pressure, swelling, or even hemorrhagic stroke.

Approximately 90% of patients with cerebral venous thrombosis respond to blood-thinning medications. 10% of the patients do not.

Early detection, medical management, and detecting the resistance to medical therapy in these 10% of patients is crucial.

Expert interventions are essential in this subgroup of patients who are non-responders to medical therapy through modern and cutting-edge minimally invasive treatment from leading neurovascular interventionist Dr. Amit Aslam Khan in Delhi. 

Signs & Symptoms to Watch out for

Early detection of CVT can save lives. The following are the most typical symptoms:

• Persistent or severe headaches
  The most common symptom is an ongoing headache. In contrast to ordinary headaches, pain from CVT often worsens over a few days and can shift in location or intensity. Typically, pain relievers are not effective for it.
  
  
• Changes in vision or Blurred vision
  As pressure builds inside the brain the skull, patients can experience blurred or double vision. Some may have a rapidly progressive loss of vision or see flashing lights.
  
  
• Nausea and Vomiting
  An increase in intracranial pressure can lead to unexplained nausea or constant vomiting.
  
  
• Seizures
  About 30 to 40 percent of patients experience seizures. These may be generalized (whole-body convulsions) or focal (affecting only one limb or side of the body).
  
  

Important: If you or someone close experiences these symptoms, seek emergency neuro care immediately. Timely diagnosis and treatment significantly improve outcomes.

What Causes CVT?

Cerebral Venous Thrombosis can occur when any factor increases the blood’s tendency to clot and occlude the veins draining the brain. While some patients have no identifiable cause, the following risk factors are commonly linked:

• Dehydration
  Loss of fluid thickens the blood, increasing the risk of clot formation, especially in young adults and postpartum women.
  
  
• Pregnancy and Postpartum Period
  Hormonal changes during pregnancy and the first few weeks after delivery significantly increase the risk of clotting.
  
  
• Use of Oral Contraceptives or Hormone Therapy
  Estrogen replacement therapy and birth control pills can make blood more prone and clotting.
  
  
• Clotting Disorder (Thrombophilia)
  Genetic or acquired disorders, such as protein C or S deficiency, Factor V Leiden mutation, and antiphospholipid syndrome, increase clot risk.

Advanced CVT Treatment with Dr. Amit Aslam Khan

As one of India’s leading Neurovascular Interventionists, Dr. Amit Aslam Khan combines clinical expertise with advanced, minimally invasive treatments to help patients recover safely and completely.
His approach emphasizes timely intervention, precision diagnosis, and holistic care.

Diagnostic Approach

Diagnosing CVT requires specialized imaging and laboratory tests to confirm the clot guide treatment:

• MR Venography (MRV) combined with MRI
  This advanced imaging study helps and clearly show blocked veins and helps to rule out other brain disorders.
  
  
• CT Scan
  It’s helpful to identify bleeding and swelling in the brain that may require urgent treatment.
  
  
• Blood Test
  Assess underlying autoimmune disorders, infection markers, and clotting function.
  
  
• D-mimer Testing
  Increased levels may indicate the development of an active clot.

Before beginning treatment, Dr. Khan uses these tools to build a comprehensive picture of each patient’s condition.

Treatment Options

Treatment is individualized based on the clot’s location, severity, and underlying causes:

1. Anticoagulant Therapy
   • The first-line treatment for almost all CVT cases.
   • Involves blood thinners like heparin, which prevent clots from growing further and allow the body to naturally dissolve them over time.
   • To balance the risk of bleeding and clot resolution, close observation is necessary.
     
     
2. Endovascular Clot Removal (Mechanical Thrombectomy)
   • Reserved for extreme situations or patients who don’t react to medicine.
   • A minimally invasive, catheter-based technique in which Dr. Khan removes the clot by inserting a tiny device through the veins.
   • Usually carried out without the need for open brain surgery through a tiny puncture in the groin.
     
     
3. Thrombolysis
   • Involves using a microcatheter to deliver a drug that dissolves clots straight into the obstructed sinus.
   • Used with caution and under the guidance of a skilled Neurointerventionist like Dr. Khan in life-threatening situations.
     
     
4. Critical Care Support
   • Patients with severe brain swelling, seizures, or pressure changes are monitored in the intensive care unit (ICU).
   • Supportive measures include:
     • Anti-seizure medications
     • Controlling intracranial pressureCareful fluid and electrolyte balance
     • Continuous neurological assessments.
       
       

Mind-Body Healing During Recovery

Dr. Khan is adamant that healing goes well beyond removing a clot. To improve quality of life, he uses comprehensive neurorehabilitation as part of his treatment philosophy.

• Neuro-rehabilitation Therapy
  Helps in regaining coordination, strength, and balance
• Cognitive Rehabilitation
  Helps with problem-solving, memory, and focus.
• Physiotherapy
  Enhances mobility and guards against immobility-related problems.
• Healing through mindfulness
  Relaxation methods, yoga, and meditation can help lessen the emotional strain and anxiety brought on by serious illness.

“Healing the brain isn’t just medical—it’s mental, emotional, and deeply personal. The right guidance can turn fear into strength.” ~ Dr. Amit Aslam Khan.