When a patient gets to the hospital quickly, often neurologists can handle the emergency with medications. However, when a stroke patient is not responding well to these treatments or have arrived many hours after symptoms occur, a neurosurgeon may be called to do further interventions.

Southwest's stroke program includes the latest in sophisticated procedures and used biplane angiography technology. Located within the Heart & Vascular Center, the hospital has two of these biplane catheterization labs.

Among the pioneering treatments, we can do are aneurysm coiling and carotid artery stenting .

The effectiveness of a neurosurgical procedure depends on many factors. For instance, the age and general health of the patient are always factors. Younger, healthier patients may respond better to surgery. Generally, the further away the stroke site is from the center of the brain, the better the patient will do. Also, the shorter the period of time between the onset of symptoms and treatment the more likely it is that the patient will do well. This is why it is so important for anyone experiencing stroke symptoms to seek immediate medical attention. Whether the patient is treated with medications or surgery, immediate treatment is crucial in order to reverse any brain damage. The longer brain cells are subjected to lack of blood or pressure from hemorrhaging, the less likely it is for the patient to have a satisfactory recovery. At some point damage is irreversible.

Dr. Shanno has advanced training in Cerebrovascular and Endovascular Neurosurgery at Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia. He is a member of Rebound Neurosurgery, one of the physician groups leading Southwest's Brain and Spine Center.

Published Summer 2008.

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