Local Brain Surgeon to Present Latest News on Condition Making 1:50 Americans “Ticking Time Bomb”

One of the nation’s leading authorities on cerebral aneurysms, a bulging of the arteries in the brain that, when ruptured, kills 80+ Americans each day and leaves many more with lifelong disabilities, will be a key presenter at the National Skull Base Foundation’s Annual Neurosymposium on March 23 at the Four Seasons Hotel in Westlake Village. Brain surgeon Martin Mortazavi, M.D., founder and medical director of the California Institute of Neuroscience, also in Thousand Oaks, will share his latest findings before some of the world’s leading brain surgeons who treat both ruptured and unruptured cerebral aneurysms, the latter of which are undetectable and reside in the brains of some 1:50 Americans. Mortazavi says that unlike ruptured aneurysms that feel like a knife penetrating the brain, unruptured aneurysms rarely show symptoms, leaving those affected to become “walking time bombs.”

“I’m delighted to share the latest news about aneurysms before my distinguished colleagues who will travel from around the United States to glean potentially lifesaving information,” said Mortazavi, who has surgically treated numerous patients with aneurysms. “My presentation will include if and when surgery is an appropriate option, the role that size and shape of the aneurysm comes into play, the latest diagnostic and treatment modalities and which patients are best suited for surgery.”

Aneurysms occur when the flow of blood rushes to the brain, causing the artery’s wall to weaken and bulge. If ruptured, it proves deadly in approximately 40% of cases. Exerting excess pressure through such common activities as lifting weights, giving birth, performing jobs requiring rigorous activity and even using the toilet can set the stage for aneurysms. Mortazavi encourages those 50+ with risk factors including smoking, high blood pressure and no renal dysfunction to consider undergoing screening and, if detected, explore the possibility of surgery.

At the Neurosymposium, Mortazavi will reveal the circumstances when surgery may be necessary:
• A particularly large aneurysm is detected
• The aneurysm is growing or changing form
• Aneurysm is divided by a fissure

Under the direction of Mortazavi, California Institute of Neuroscience has earned a stellar reputation in the prevention, diagnosis, surgical treatment and post-surgical aspects of a range of disorders affecting the brain, spinal cord, peripheral nerves and cerebrovascular system. The team, who are experts at treating aneurysms, AVM, skull base tumors such as pituitary tumors, acoustic neuromas, and meningiomas, trigeminal neuralgia, and any other medical condition related to the brain and spine, employ the safest and latest technology to give patients a new lease on life.

Among the areas of specialty: neurology, neurosurgery, psychology, psychiatry, cranial maxillofacial plastic surgery, spine/peripheral neurosurgery and neuro-ophthalmology. These comprehensive services offer the patient a holistic approach to care not commonly found in typical neurosurgical practices. Visit cineuro.org or call (805) 795-7656.