Vascular Malformations of the Brain & Spinal Cord

• Brain hemorrhage
• Headaches
• Heart failure
• Problems with vision, balance, memory or attention
• Seizure
• Stroke
• Swelling of the brain
• Trouble speaking or swallowing
• Weakness or numbness in the face, arms or legs

Diagnosis begins with a discussion about your personal and medical history. We will perform a comprehensive physical and neurological exam, as well as CT, MRI or magnetic resonance venography (MRV) and image fusion scans. The results will help us rule out other conditions and precisely identify your particular type of vascular malformation, such as:

• Arteriovenous malformation
• Carotid atherosclerotic disease
• Carotid cavernous fistulas 
• Cavernous malformations 
• Cranial and spinal dural fistulas 
• Intracranial atherosclerotic disease 
• Moyamoya disease 
• Telangiectasias 
• Vein of Galen malformations 
• Venous angiomas 

Small malformations that cause mild symptoms may not require immediate treatment. Houston Methodist’s neurologists will monitor your condition to watch for changes in malformation size, shape or symptom severity.

If you have a large malformation or severe symptoms, we will recommend an innovative, precise treatment to restore your quality of life and reduce the risk of future complications. Treatment options may include:

• Embolotherapy – This nonsurgical injection blocks abnormal blood vessels so they can’t grow and eventually atrophy.
• Sclerotherapy – Also nonsurgical, this injection causes abnormal blood vessels to collapse and scar, detouring blood through healthy vessels and reducing pressure.
• Vascular surgery – Small, accessible malformations can be surgically removed.

After your procedure, you will recover in our state-of-the-art neurointensive care unit. Specialized nurses and neurologists will monitor your progress and recommend next steps, which may include physical or occupational therapy, depending on the severity of your condition.