Description

Central nervous system vascular malformations are rare problems with the blood vessels in the brain or in the spinal cord and its coverings, called membranes.

There are several types of central nervous system vascular malformations, including:

  • Arteriovenous malformations (Avms). These are unusual tangles of blood vessels that connect the arteries and the veins. AVMS can be anywhere in the body. The majority of the frequency with which they occur in or near the brain or the spine. This type poses the greatest risk of bleeding in the brain and other complications.
  • Capillary telangiectasias. These are tiny blood vessels called capillaries, which are more usual.
  • Cavernous malformations. These are the blood vessels in the brain or in the spinal cord that form unusual form. They look like berries or popcorn.
  • Dural arteriovenous fistulas. These are unusual links between the arteries and the difficulties that covers the brain or the spinal cord, called the dura, and a draining of the vein.
  • Venous malformations. These are unusually enlarged veins in the brain or the spinal cord. They are also called developmental venous anomalies.

Symptoms

The symptoms depend on the type of central nervous system, vascular malformations, and where it is located. Some vascular malformations do not have symptoms. It is found in the image to something more.

The symptoms of a central nervous system, vascular malformations can include:

  • The bleeding.
  • Seizures.
  • The pain of a headache.
  • Brain and nervous system problems, called a neurological deficit, which worsen with time. Neurological deficits can affect speech, vision, balance, memory and other skills.

Causes

The cause of the central nervous system, vascular malformations is unclear. Some are present at birth, called congenital. Others come after.

Some genetic conditions can increase the risk of vascular malformations. Injury to the central nervous system may be another cause.

Complications

Central nervous system vascular malformations can cause damage to the brain or the spinal cord. The damage can come from bleeding, is called bleeding in the surrounding tissues. Vascular malformations can also block the flow of oxygen to the tissues and to put pressure on parts of the brain or of the spinal cord.

Complications can include:

  • Stroke.
  • The brain damage from a burst blood vessel.
  • Death.
  • Learning and behavior problems in children.

Once the bleeding occurs, there is a greater risk of another bleed. For someone who has a vascular malformation, a state of pregnancy could increase the risk of bleeding.

Diagnosis

To diagnose a central nervous system, vascular malformations, a provider of health services seeks a family history of stroke, epilepsy or related conditions. Some vascular malformations, making a whooshing sound called a bruit. Rapid flow of blood through a defect causes the noise. A provider you can listen to sound through a stethoscope.

Imaging tests

Imaging tests such as angiography can detect a central nervous system vascular malformations. An angiogram shows the flow of blood through arteries or veins. Blood vessels appear in the image after a contrast dye is put in the blood. The dye lights up in the scan.

A magnetic resonance angiography or computed tomography (ct angiography can be used to diagnose a central nervous system, vascular malformations and treatment plan.

Some vascular malformations such as cavernous malformations, are the regular use of magnetic resonance imaging or computed tomography.

Treatment

The treatment of a central nervous system vascular malformations depends on the type of malformation, where it is, the symptoms, the causes and the risk of bleeding. Sometimes the observation of changes in the malformation and the risk of bleeding may be all that is needed.

Medications

The drugs that could be used for the treatment of the symptoms of a venous malformation include anti-seizure medications to treat seizures and pain relievers for headaches.

Surgery or other procedures

Some central nervous system, vascular malformations that present a high risk of bleeding may be removed. The procedure depends on the malformation.

  • Surgery.This involves the cutting of the spinal cord or the brain to remove the malformation. The surgery is most often used for an arteriovenous malformation that is small and in a place of easy access. As with any surgery, there are risks, such as infection and blood loss. There is also a risk of damage to the surrounding healthy tissue.
  • Stereotactic radiosurgery.This uses beams of radiation that are oriented exactly in the vascular malformation. The radiation damages the walls of the blood vessels of the malformation and of the causes which will disappear with time. Since radiosurgery does not involve the court, the risks are lower than with standard surgery. However, there is a risk of radiation damage to healthy tissues.
  • Endovascular embolization.This technique involves the use of a long, thin tube, called a catheter. The probe is placed in an artery of the leg or the groin area that feeds into the malformation. It is then threaded to the brain by means of X-ray images to guide you. Through the probe, the surgeon sends in coils or a glue-like substance that blocks the arteries and reduces the flow of blood to the malformation. Embolization can not completely remove the defect, or that the results do not last very long. It's often used with other surgical procedures.

Surgery. This involves the cutting of the spinal cord or the brain to remove the malformation. The surgery is most often used for an arteriovenous malformation that is small and in a place of easy access.

As with any surgery, there are risks, such as infection and blood loss. There is also a risk of damage to the surrounding healthy tissue.

Stereotactic radiosurgery. This uses beams of radiation that are oriented exactly in the vascular malformation. The radiation damages the walls of the blood vessels of the malformation and of the causes which will disappear with time.

Since radiosurgery does not involve the court, the risks are lower than with standard surgery. However, there is a risk of radiation damage to healthy tissues.

Endovascular embolization. This technique involves the use of a long, thin tube, called a catheter. The probe is placed in an artery of the leg or the groin area that feeds into the malformation. It is then threaded to the brain by means of X-ray images to guide you.

Through the probe, the surgeon sends in coils or a glue-like substance that blocks the arteries and reduces the flow of blood to the malformation.

Embolization can not completely remove the defect, or that the results do not last very long. It's often used with other surgical procedures.

Preparing for your appointment

If you have symptoms of a central nervous system, vascular malformations, you could start by seeing your primary care provider. Or you may know that you have a malformation after imaging tests for another condition. It could then be referred to a doctor who specializes in diseases of the nervous system, called a neurologist.

Here's some information to help you prepare for your appointment.

What you can do

When you make the appointment, ask if there is something that you need to do in advance, such as fasting before a specific test. Make a list of:

  • Your symptoms, including any that seem unrelated to the reason of his appointment, and when they began.
  • Key medical information, including the family and the medical staff of the story.
  • All medications, vitamins or supplements that you take, including over-dose.
  • Questions to ask your health care provider.

Have a friend or family member, if possible, to help you remember the information they give you.

For the central nervous system, vascular malformations, basic questions to ask include:

  • What is likely causing my symptoms?
  • What tests do I need?
  • Is my condition likely temporary or chronic?
  • What is the best course of action?
  • What is my risk of having complications of this condition?
  • I have these other health conditions. How can I best manage them together?
  • Are there brochures or other printed material I can have? What sites do you recommend?

Be sure to ask all the questions you have about your condition.

What to expect from your doctor

Your provider is likely to ask you questions, such as:

  • The symptoms been continuous or occasional?
  • How bad are the symptoms?
  • What, if anything, seems to improve your symptoms?
  • What, if anything, appears to worsen your symptoms?
Symptoms and treatment of Central nervous system vascular malformations