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Neurovascular Clinic (Stroke Unit)
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Contact the Neurovascular Clinic
Are you a doctor and would like to obtain your patients’ medical results, refer a patient, or request a (second) opinion?Contact our clinic by telephone on +32 (0)2 555 46 22 or by email at secmed [dot] neuro [dot] erasme [at] hubruxelles [dot] be (secmed[dot]neuro[dot]erasme[at]hubruxelles[dot]be)
Would you like to make an appointment with one of our specialists for yourself or one of your relatives?
Contact us by telephone on +32 (0)2 555 33 52 or by email at secmed [dot] neuro [dot] erasme [at] hubruxelles [dot] be (cons[dot]neuro[dot]erasme[at]hubruxelles[dot]be)
Do you have an administrative request?
Contact our medical administration by telephone on +32 (0)2 555 46 22 or by email at secmed [dot] neuro [dot] erasme [at] hubruxelles [dot] be (secmed[dot]neuro[dot]erasme[at]hubruxelles[dot]be)
Please note that visiting hours in this unit are from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. for all patients (stroke and non-stroke).
Access excellence in neurovascular care at H.U.B.
Welcome to the Neurovascular Clinic, your reference centre for advanced and personalised care for cerebrovascular conditions. Thanks to our expertise, holistic approach and state-of-the-art techniques, we place your health at the heart of our priorities.
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Tailored care pathways
Our expertise covers a wide range of conditions, from ischaemic and haemorrhagic cerebrovascular accidents to TIAs, including cerebrovascular accidents in young people, aneurysms and arteriovenous malformations, subdural haematomas, neurovascular complications associated with sickle cell disease, vertigo and pulsatile tinnitus. Each patient receives care tailored to and structured around their specific needs.
Comprehensive and compassionate care
In addition to medical and paramedical care, we support you at every stage of your journey. A stroke specialist nurse welcomes you to the stroke unit and follows you for three months after your hospitalisation, while our psychologists, available both in hospital and on an outpatient basis, provide essential support to you and those close to you. In addition, the Stroke Tuesdays sessions offer discussion workshops where you can talk about post-stroke challenges with our healthcare professionals and other patients.
Stroke care at Erasme Hospital – H.U.B
Dr Noémie Ligot, Director of the Neurovascular Clinic
Specialist in neurology and neurovascular medicine.
Holder of several specialised qualifications in neurology, neurorehabilitation and neurosonology, Dr Ligot also holds academic positions and conducts extensive clinical research into cerebrovascular accidents and neurovascular diseases. As President of the Belgian Stroke Council and an active member of the European Stroke Organisation, she plays a key role in developing national strategies to combat cerebrovascular accidents and in training healthcare professionals.
Areas of expertise:
- Management of cerebrovascular accidents : thrombolysis, thrombectomy, prevention of recurrence
- Neurosonology and vascular imaging : transcranial Doppler, carotid and vertebral artery duplex ultrasound
- Neurorehabilitation : monitoring and optimising recovery after cerebrovascular accidents
- Clinical research: therapeutic trials on cerebrovascular accidents, thrombectomy and neurovascular biomarkers
- Teaching and training: academic supervision, training in vascular neurology
A highly specialised team available 24/7.
The teams are available around the clock to respond to all neurovascular emergencies, managed by a neurologist who is present on site and also available at any time. Six specialised vascular neurologists are exclusively dedicated to neurovascular emergencies and conditions. They work closely with a team of nurses specialised in stroke care and expert paramedical staff: physiotherapists, occupational therapists, speech therapists, neuropsychologists, psychologists and social workers. Together, they provide comprehensive care tailored to each patient.
Our team members
- Vascular neurologists: Dr Noémie LIGOT, Dr Sophie FASTRE, Dr Gilles NAEIJE, Dr Katharina HOHENBICHLER, Dr Anissa ABDERRAKIB and Dr Lise JODAïTIS.
- Head Nurse: Diogo DA ROCHA GARCIA
- Deputy Head Nurses: Mélanie RODRIGUES, Sara FERREIRA CATARINO
- Stroke education nurse : Laila BOUNAANA
- Occupational therapists: Laurence MOLLET, Gisèle VAN CAMPENHOUDT
- Speech therapists: Nathalie GUERRY, Laura MORALDO, Odaline LOPEZ ALBERTO
- Psychologists : Anaïs ROMMEL, Jessica HENDRICKX
- Physiotherapists: Claire QUESTIENNE, Iris COUTOUZIS, Sara BEN CHEKROUN
- Social worker: Gamze KARABULUT
- Neuropsychologists: Christelle MAENHOUT, Hichem SLAMA
- Dietitian: Myriam AUTPHENNE
- Secretary: Nathalie SERVAIS
Cutting-edge technologies
We use state-of-the-art diagnostic tools to assess the brain’s functional and structural integrity, including perfusion CT, MRI, PET-MR, Diamox SPECT, FDG-PET and continuous EEG monitoring. For treatment, we have thrombolytic medicines and the most advanced devices for thrombectomies and embolisation/stenting procedures (aneurysms, arteriovenous malformations, middle meningeal artery, etc.), provided by an expert interventional neuroradiology team, ensuring precise and rapid interventions.
Multidisciplinary collaboration
Our team works in close collaboration with neurologists, diagnostic and interventional neuroradiologists, emergency physicians, intensivists, neurosurgeons, cardiologists, ENT specialists and rehabilitation specialists. This collaboration ensures rapid intervention, the accurate and early determination of the causes of a cerebrovascular accident, prompt adjustment of treatments to minimise the risk of recurrence, and early rehabilitation to reduce functional impairment.
The services we work with
The services we work with
Neurology
Interventional neuroradiology
Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT)
Specific multidisciplinary care pathways
- Intracranial hypertension (IIH) and pulsatile tinnitus, Dr Sophie FASTRE, in collaboration with the ENT, diagnostic and interventional neuroradiology, and ophthalmology departments.
- Dizziness: Dr Gilles NAEIJE and Dr Katharina HOHENBICHLER, in collaboration with the ENT department through joint neuro-ENT consultations.
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A clinic active in research and innovation
We participate in numerous international clinical studies and conduct academic studies in collaboration with ULB and the LN2T laboratory. These studies focus on treatments aimed at increasing the effectiveness of revascularisation treatments, reducing the expansion of cerebral haematomas, and improving our understanding and treatment of cognitive disorders and post-stroke epilepsy… This involvement enables our patients to access innovative techniques and treatments before they are placed on the market, offering them cutting-edge diagnostic and therapeutic solutions.
How to recognise the signs of a Cerebrovascular accident using the “FAST” method
The faster the intervention, the more brain tissue can be saved and the greater the chances of recovery!
Act immediately and call 112. Every minute counts!
Resources and useful links for patients with cerebrovascular accidents and their close caregivers
Whether you or someone close to you has already experienced one or more cerebrovascular accidents, we are here to support you and provide you with information every step of the way. That is why we offer a series of resources (produced by doctors, researchers, patient associations and public health professionals) that will, on the one hand, help you better understand and manage the condition and, on the other hand, enable you to identify support groups with whom you can share your experiences.
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Stroke Tuesdays
Each month, the Neurovascular Clinic organises a workshop where patients, carers and healthcare professionals meet and discuss issues related to life after a cerebrovascular accident (balance, concentration, language, driving, eating, etc.). A special opportunity to share your problems, good practices and questions with people who understand you. Upcoming workshops:
- 13/01/2026 – Cerebrovascular accident, hypertension and hypercholesterolaemia. Find out more.
- 10/02/2026 – Cerebrovascular accident and smoking
- 17/03/2026 – Cerebrovascular accident and balance disorders: fall prevention and technical aids
- 21/04/2026 – Cerebrovascular accident: fatigue, mood disorders and sleep apnoea
- 16/06/2026 – Resuming driving after a cerebrovascular accident
- 22/09/2026 – Concentration and cognitive disorders after a cerebrovascular accident
- 17/11/2026 – Cerebrovascular accident and managing cardiovascular risk factors through diet
- 15/12/2026 – Communicating after a cerebrovascular accident: speech therapists are here to support you
FAQ on Cerebrovascular accidents
FAQ on Cerebrovascular accidents
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1. What is a cerebrovascular accident?
A cerebrovascular accident occurs when blood flow to part of the brain is interrupted, either by a clot (ischaemic cerebrovascular accident) or by a ruptured blood vessel (haemorrhagic cerebrovascular accident).
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2. What are the symptoms of a cerebrovascular accident?
Warning symptoms of a Cerebrovascular accident
- Paralysis or numbness: often affecting one side of the body.
- Speech problems: difficulty speaking or understanding.
- Loss of vision: often in one eye or double vision.
- Severe headaches: particularly if they occur suddenly without an apparent cause.
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3. What should I do if I think someone is having a stroke?
Act quickly! Call 112 or your local emergency department immediately. Every minute counts, because the sooner treatment is administered, the better the chances of recovery.
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4. What are the risk factors for a cerebrovascular accident?
The main risk factors for cerebrovascular accident are:
- High blood pressure
- Smoking
- Diabetes
- High cholesterol
- Overweight
- Lack of physical activity
- Heart problems
- Family history
- Excessive alcohol consumption.
- Use of oral contraceptives, especially in smokers over the age of 35.
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5. How can a Cerebrovascular accident be prevented?
To help prevent a cerebrovascular accident, it is recommended that you adopt a healthy lifestyle and:
- Eat a balanced diet
- Exercise regularly
- Stop smoking
- Monitor your blood pressure and cholesterol
- Consult your doctor regularly.
- Limit your alcohol consumption.
- Manage stress through relaxation or meditation techniques.
- Undergo regular medical check-ups to monitor your blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol levels.
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6. How is a cerebrovascular accident treated in the acute phase?
Treatments vary depending on the type of cerebrovascular accident:
- For an ischaemic cerebrovascular accident, a medicine called a thrombolytic can dissolve the clot. Mechanical thrombectomy is an option for some ischaemic cerebrovascular accidents and involves removing the clot via a catheter.
- For a haemorrhagic cerebrovascular accident, interventions to stop the bleeding, remove blood from the brain, and reverse the effects of certain medicines that worsen the bleeding may be necessary.
The sooner treatment is administered, the better the chances of survival and recovery.
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7. How long does it take to recover from a cerebrovascular accident?
This depends on the severity of the Cerebrovascular accident and how quickly treatment is provided. Some people recover within a few weeks, while others take months or even longer. Intensive rehabilitation and multidisciplinary support (physiotherapists, speech therapists and psychologists) play a crucial role in optimising recovery.
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8. What are the possible after-effects?
The consequences of a Cerebrovascular accident can vary greatly from one stroke to another and depend on its location in the brain.
- Weakness or paralysis
- Speech problems
- Memory problems
- Emotional difficulties (anxiety, depression)
- Sensory and coordination problems affecting one or more limbs
- Problems with walking and balance
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9. Does a cerebrovascular accident affect only older people?
No. Although it is more common in people over 65, it can affect younger people (those under 50; this is known as a cerebrovascular accident in young adults) and even children.
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10. Can a person have multiple cerebrovascular accidents?
Yes. A person who has had a cerebrovascular accident is at greater risk of having another one. This is why prevention and medical follow-up are essential.
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11. Can you die from a stroke?
Yes, unfortunately, a Cerebrovascular accident can be fatal. Its severity depends on several factors:
- How quickly treatment is provided: The sooner treatment is administered, the better the chances of survival.
- The size and location of the Cerebrovascular accident: A major stroke or one affecting a critical area of the brain can be more dangerous.
- The type of Cerebrovascular accident: Haemorrhagic strokes (caused by the rupture of a blood vessel) generally have a higher mortality rate than ischaemic strokes (caused by a clot).
However, with early recognition of symptoms and rapid treatment, many lives can be saved. Medical advances also make it possible to limit long-term impairments in many cases.