Transluminal angioplasty for treatment of vasospasm.

Angioplasty of symptomatic vasospasm can reverse neurologic deficits when performed soon after the onset of symptoms. Deficits including hemiparesis, aphasia, and depressed level of consciousness can resolve within 12 to 48 hours following angioplasty. Eleven of 15 patients had such a response in our series. All major intracranial vessels are amenable to treatment by this technique. Initial experience indicates the results are long lasting and the complication rate is low. This technique should prove to be a useful adjunct in the management of subarachnoid hemorrhage.