Central Nervous System Vascular Malformations – Symptoms and Causes
Overview
Central nervous system vascular malformations are uncommon conditions affecting blood vessels in the brain, spinal cord, and their protective membranes. These conditions can present in several forms.
These vascular abnormalities vary in severity and symptoms depending on their location, size, and type. Some may remain asymptomatic for years, while others can cause serious neurological problems requiring medical intervention.
Signs and Symptoms
Some vascular issues in the brain and spine may cause no problems at all. Doctors often find these during tests for other conditions.
When symptoms do appear, they might include:
- Bleeding in the brain
- Seizures
- Persistent or sudden headaches
- Declining brain function that worsens over time
- Numbness or weakness on one side of the body
These problems can affect a person’s ability to speak clearly, see properly, maintain balance, or remember information. The exact symptoms depend on where the blood vessel problem is located in the nervous system.
Causes
The exact reason why central nervous system vascular malformations form remains unknown. Some people are born with these abnormal blood vessel formations, while others develop them later in life.
Types of Central Nervous System Vascular Malformations:
Arteriovenous Malformations (AVMs): Tangled blood vessels creating abnormal connections between arteries and veins, commonly found in or near the brain or spine. These pose the highest risk for brain hemorrhage.
Capillary Telangiectasias: Abnormally widened small blood vessels (capillaries).
Cavernous Malformations: Unusually formed blood vessels in brain or spinal tissue with a distinctive mulberry or popcorn-like appearance.
Dural Arteriovenous Fistulas: Abnormal connections between arteries and the dura (protective covering of the brain/spinal cord) and a draining vein.
Venous Malformations: Enlarged veins in the brain or spinal cord, also called developmental venous anomalies.
Certain genetic disorders may raise a person’s chance of having vascular malformations. Brain or spinal cord injuries might also lead to these blood vessel problems in some cases.
Possible Problems
Vascular malformations in the central nervous system can harm the brain or spinal cord in several ways. When these abnormal blood vessels bleed into nearby tissues, they cause hemorrhage.
These malformations can also block blood flow and put pressure on important brain or spinal cord areas.
Several serious issues can result from these conditions:
- Stroke: Blood flow disruption can cause brain tissue damage.
- Brain Damage: Bleeding from burst blood vessels can harm brain tissue.
- Fatal Outcomes: In severe cases, these malformations can be life-threatening.
- Developmental Issues: Children may experience learning difficulties and behavioral problems.
The risk of repeated bleeding increases after the first hemorrhage occurs. This makes treatment decisions more urgent after an initial bleeding event.
Pregnancy Risk Factors
Women with vascular malformations might have an increased risk of bleeding during pregnancy. This happens because pregnancy creates changes in blood volume and pressure that can affect these abnormal blood vessels.
