The purpose of this specialized stroke clinic is to provide comprehensive evaluation and care of patients with cerebrovascular disorders related to the heart.

Overview

The Cardio-Neurology Clinic is a collaborative effort among the Massachusetts General Hospital Heart Center, Vascular Center and the Neurology Department. The Cardio-Neurology Clinic offers specialized evaluation of cerebrovascular disorders directly or indirectly related to the heart.

These disorders may relate to congenital heart conditions in adult patients, such as septal defects or patent foramen ovale (PFO), strokes related to dilated cardiomyopathies or cardiac valvular diseases, or conditions and arteriopathies relating to both the heart and the vascular system.

Given the special relationship between PFO and paradoxical embolism (often related to venous thrombosis), the Cardio-Neurology Clinic team also specializes in peripheral venous thrombotic disorders, such as May-Thurner syndrome, as well as cranio-cerebral venous sinus thromboses, the evaluation of which involves specialized, in-depth evaluation of clotting dysfunction (thrombophilia).

Examples of Diseases/Syndromes Treated

PFO-related stroke
ASD-related stroke
PFO and migraine
May-Thurner Syndrome
Antiphospholipid antibody syndrome
Coagulation disorders

Stroke and Cardio-Neurology

To learn more about our stroke-related cardio-neurology services, visit the MGH Stroke Service Cardio-Neurology Clinic section.

Appointments

If you would like to make an appointment, have any questions regarding which insurance plans we accept, or any patient billing concerns, please call us at 617-726-8424. Questions regarding your coverage and benefits should be directed to your employer or insurance company.

Staff

Physicians

F.S. Buonanno, M.D., Director

MingMing Ning, MD, Co-Director

Scott Silverman, MD

Affiliated Heart Center Staff

Igor F. Palacios, MD

Kenneth Rosenfield, MD

Gus Vlahakes, MD

Mary Ellen McNamara, R.N.

Deborah O’Shaughnessy, R.N.

Ignacio Inglessis, M.D.

Robert M. Schainfeld, MD

Thomas E. MacGillivray, M.D.

Mary L. Lievens, RN, MS

Cristina Brueggeman, RN

Related Diseases and Conditions

PFO-related stroke
ASD-related stroke
PFO and migraines
May-Thurner syndrome
Antiphospholipid antibody syndrome
Coagulation disorders