What is an interventional neuroradiologist?

A doctor who treats conditions of the brain, head, neck and spine from inside the blood vessels, using image guidance instead of open surgery. Most procedures are done through a small puncture at the wrist or groin.

Do I need a GP referral to see Dr Makalanda privately?

Most self-paying patients can be seen without a GP referral. If you are using private medical insurance, your insurer will usually ask for one.

Where does Dr Makalanda see private patients?

At The Wellington Hospital in St John's Wood and The London Clinic on Harley Street, both with neuro-intensive care and on-site neurosurgery.

How is a brain aneurysm treated without open surgery?

Most aneurysms are now treated from inside the blood vessel using coiling, stent-assisted coiling or a flow diverter, avoiding opening the skull and usually meaning a shorter recovery.

What causes pulsatile tinnitus and can it be treated?

Pulsatile tinnitus is a rhythmic, heartbeat-like sound in the ear, often caused by abnormal blood flow near the ear. Many causes are treatable, and the first step is specialist imaging to find the source.

What is mechanical thrombectomy?

An emergency procedure to remove a blood clot from a brain artery during a stroke, reopening the vessel and limiting long-term disability.

Is interventional neuroradiology safe?

Minimally invasive techniques generally carry less risk than open surgery, but every procedure has risks. Dr Makalanda explains the specific risks and benefits for each case.

Can I get a second opinion on a brain or spine diagnosis?

Yes. Many patients come for a second opinion before deciding on treatment, and are welcome to bring existing scans and reports.

Interventional Neuroradiologist London

About Dr. Makalanda

Education

Dr. Makalanda is a premier UK Neuroradiologist uniquely credentialed in diagnostic, endovascular, and spinal intervention. His rare expertise stems from elite specialist training and a deep clinical background in cardiothoracic and intensive care.

Experience

Dr. Makalanda leads the UK's largest interventional neuroradiology team, having performed over 10,000 procedures and several world-firsts. With 68 publications and near-perfect patient ratings, he manages a 24/7 stroke service while maintaining a global reputation for excellence.

Specialisation

Dr. Makalanda provides incision-free treatments for complex brain and spinal conditions, including Gamma Knife surgery. He practices at London’s top hospitals and is a leading expert for neurovascular second opinions.

Education

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Experience

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Specialization

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Areas of expertise

Conditions I Treat

Interventional neuroradiology treats conditions of the brain, head, neck and spine from the inside of the blood vessels, using image guidance and instruments passed through a tiny puncture, usually at the wrist. For most patients that means no large incision, less risk, and a faster recovery than open surgery.

View all

Cranial dural fistula

Sealing abnormal artery-to-vein connections in the lining around the brain to restore normal blood flow and prevent bleeding.

Pulsatile tinnitus

Diagnosis and minimally invasive treatment of rhythmic, heartbeat-like ear noise caused by abnormal blood flow around the brain.

Stroke

Emergency clot retrieval (mechanical thrombectomy) to reopen blocked brain arteries quickly and limit long-term disability.

Carotid stent

Opening narrowed neck arteries with a small mesh tube to restore healthy blood flow to the brain and reduce stroke risk.

Cerebral venous disorders

Minimally invasive treatment of narrowed or blocked brain veins to improve the brain's natural blood drainage.

Spinal dural fistula

Mapping and sealing abnormal spinal blood vessel connections to protect the spinal cord from progressive damage.

Brain AVM

Treatment of abnormal tangles of brain blood vessels using embolisation, sometimes combined with surgery or radiosurgery.

Spinal AVM

Careful embolisation of abnormal spinal blood vessels to protect the spinal cord from bleeding and loss of function.

Embolisation for subdural haematoma

A minimally invasive procedure (middle meningeal artery embolisation) to treat chronic blood collections on the brain's surface and reduce the chance of recurrence.

Gamma Knife for AVM

Precisely targeted radiation used to gradually close off deep or complex brain AVMs without open surgery.

Intracranial stent

Placing a fine mesh tube inside a narrowed brain artery to improve blood supply and help prevent stroke.

CSF disorders

Pinpointing and sealing spinal fluid leaks to resolve severe, position-related headaches.

Myelogram

Detailed contrast imaging of the spinal canal to identify nerve compression, fluid leaks, or other structural problems.

Spine injection

Targeted, image-guided injections to relieve pain from nerve irritation or inflammation in the back and neck.

Lumbar puncture

A precise, image-guided sampling of spinal fluid for diagnosis or to relieve raised pressure.

Specialist Treatments

Mechanical thrombectomy.

When every second counts, modern medical technology allows us to provide life-saving solutions. Mechanical thrombectomy is an advanced procedure designed to remove blood clots quickly and safely, immediately restoring blood flow. What used to require more complex procedures is now performed using minimally invasive techniques.

Treatment of aneurysms.

In the past, treating an aneurysm was a complex process. Today, thanks to medical elective advances, we have modern techniques that allow us to treat most cases using minimally invasive methods.

Arteriovenous malformations.

Treating an AVM requires a highly personalized approach. Since every patient’s vascular system is unique, we focus on providing individualized care. As leaders in this field, we use a variety of modern methods to treat AVMs safely. We take the time to explain your options in plain English, ensuring you feel confident and comfortable with your treatment plan.

Spine injections

Minimally invasive procedures used to deliver pain-relieving medication directly to the affected area of the spine, helping to reduce inflammation, alleviate chronic back or neck pain, and improve mobility.

Treatment of aneurysms.

In the past, treating an aneurysm was a complex process. Today, thanks to medical elective advances, we have modern techniques that allow us to treat most cases using minimally invasive methods.

Arteriovenous malformations.

Treating an AVM requires a highly personalized approach. Since every patient’s vascular system is unique, we focus on providing individualized care. As leaders in this field, we use a variety of modern methods to treat AVMs safely. We take the time to explain your options in plain English, ensuring you feel confident and comfortable with your treatment plan.

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Testimonials

Real Stories, Real Results

Mr. Makalanda has been a vital member of my care team. Not only does he act with surgical precision he cares about the patient and both the clinical and emotional health outcomes. I am a strong advocate for his work and will never be able to repay the gift he has given me in my second chance at life. With Mr. Makalanda you are in great hands medically and also administratively as he is duly supported by Patricia who is attentive caring and organised.