Cerebrovascular malformations

Cerebrovascular malformations (CVMs) occur when the blood vessels in your brain aren't quite right. Think of it like your brain's plumbing system – there are three main types of blood vessels involved: arteries, veins, and capillaries. These vessels are super important because they bring oxygen and nutrients to your brain cells and take away waste.

Arteries are like highways that carry oxygen-rich blood from your heart to your brain, while veins are like roads that bring oxygen-depleted blood back to your heart. Capillaries are like the tiny side streets that connect the highways and roads, allowing stuff to get to where it needs to go.

Sometimes, in CMVs, these blood vessels don't develop the way they should. Arteries might get tangled up or too big, veins might puff up like balloons and capillaries might clump together in odd clusters. When this happens, it disrupts the normal flow of blood in your brain and can cause problems like bleeding or a stroke.

Cerebrovascular malformations

There are three primary types of cerebrovascular malformations. Each has their own distinct characteristics, symptoms and complications.

Cavernous malformations

Cavernous malformations are like clusters of thin-walled veins in the brain. They can leak blood or trigger seizures. Symptoms can vary, like headaches, seizures, or problems with thinking or moving. If they bleed, it can lead to a stroke or brain damage. Sometimes, these malformations can leave behind lasting problems with thinking or moving.

Aneurysm

A brain aneurysm is a weak spot in the wall of a blood vessel in the brain. Think of it like a bulge or a balloon that forms on the blood vessel. Over time, it can stretch too much, just like when you blow too much air into a balloon.

Sometimes, aneurysms don't cause any trouble, but if they burst, watch out for a sudden, awful headache, throwing up, or even passing out. Things like high blood pressure, smoking or having a family history of aneurysms can make you more likely to get one.

Arteriovenous malformations

Arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) happen when the brain's arteries and veins connect directly, skipping the usual in-between capillaries. This interrupts how blood flows in the brain.

They might not cause trouble until they burst, causing bad headaches, seizures or trouble thinking or moving. If they bleed (hemorrhage), it can lead to a stroke or brain damage.

Venous malformations

Venous malformations happen when veins don't grow the right way, making blood move slowly. They might not cause trouble until they start to grow or bleed. Signs include pain, trouble moving or thinking or damage to nearby tissues.

There are a few other types of vascular malformations, such as developmental venous anomalies (DVAs), which usually aren't significant but can cause trouble if they bleed. Capillary telangiectasias are small, widened blood vessels that typically don't cause any trouble.

Symptoms of cerebrovascular malformations

Symptoms of cerebrovascular malformations can vary depending on the type and location of the malformation. The most common sign of a cerebrovascular malformation is a headache that can range from mild to severe, but feels different from a regular headache.

Other common signs of a cerebrovascular malformation to watch out for include:

• Coordination problems
• Difficulty speaking or understanding speech
• Seizures
• Vision or hearing changes
• Weakness or numbness in parts of your body

If a cerebrovascular malformation bleeds or ruptures, it can cause symptoms such as:

• Sudden, severe headache
• Nausea or vomiting
• Loss of consciousness

If you experience any of these cerebrovascular malformation symptoms, schedule an appointment with your provider right away.

Risk factors of cerebrovascular malformations

Cerebrovascular malformations can affect anyone, but certain factors can increase the likelihood of developing them.

Some common risk factors to be aware of are:

• A family history of cerebrovascular malformation
• Age, especially between the ages of 20 and 40
• Certain medical conditions, such as atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) or certain genetic disorders
• High blood pressure
• Smoking

Diagnosing cerebrovascular malformations

Your Advocate Health Care neuro specialist will use the latest diagnostic tests and a physical exam to determine if you have a cerebrovascular malformation and its type.

Your doctor will review your symptoms and medical history. They'll ask questions about any other symptoms, headaches or seizures.

Your doctor will look for any signs of a cerebrovascular malformation during your physical exam, such as changes in your reflexes and any abnormalities in your eyes. They may use image tests such as a CT scan or MRI to get detailed images of your brain.

Depending on the severity of your symptoms and the results of the imaging tests, your provider might order other tests such as blood tests to check for signs of infection or inflammation, or an electroencephalogram (EEG) to check for abnormal brain activity.

Treatment for cerebrovascular malformations

Your provider will utilize the latest treatments available for cerebrovascular malformations, which may vary depending on the size, location, and severity of the malformation.

Surgery might be necessary if your cerebrovascular malformation is causing symptoms or is at risk of rupturing. The type of surgery will also depend on factors like the size and location of the malformation, as well as your overall health.

If your cerebrovascular malformation isn't causing symptoms or you are at low risk of complications, your doctor might monitor your health over time with regular check-ups or testing.

If a cerebrovascular malformation has caused neurological deficits, such as weakness or difficulty speaking, doctors might recommend physical therapy, occupational therapy or speech therapy.