Cerebrovascular surgery treats disorders of the blood vessels of the brain. These include aneurysms, which are weak, balloon-like spots in a vessel wall, arteriovenous malformations (AVMs), cavernous malformations and bleeding within the brain. A ruptured aneurysm typically causes a sudden, severe headache, often described as the worst of a person's life, with vomiting, neck stiffness or loss of consciousness.

Evaluation relies on CT and cerebral angiography, which show the exact shape and position of the vessel problem. Treatment depends on the type of lesion, its size and position, the patient's age and condition and whether it has bled. A surgeon may clip or remove the problem, or a catheter-based approach may be chosen instead.

Control of blood pressure, stopping smoking and regular follow-up imaging are key parts of care for patients with unruptured aneurysms or vascular malformations.

Cerebrovascular services at Apex include:

• Aneurysm Surgery: Placement of a small metal clip across the neck of an aneurysm through an opening in the skull, preventing bleeding or re-bleeding.
• Brain Haemorrhage Surgery: Removal of blood clots that press on the brain after a bleed, when the size and position of the clot and the patient's condition make surgery beneficial.
• Vascular Malformation Treatment: Planned management of AVMs and cavernomas, which may involve surgery, embolisation or radiation, depending on risk and location.
• Angiographic Assessment: Detailed imaging of brain blood vessels to plan treatment and assess the result afterwards.