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Vascular malformations of the brain
A guide for patients and carers
Introduction
Written by Dr Rustam Al-Shahi (MRC Clinical Training Fellow) and Prof. Charles Warlow (Professor of Medical Neurology) at the University of Edinburgh with contributions from Dr Anil Gholkar, Consultant Neuroradiologist and the patients involved in the Scottish Intracranial Vascular Malformation Study.
This booklet gives general information about the most common vascular malformations of the brain apart from aneurysms, which are covered in another Brain and Spine Foundation booklet: Sub-arachnoid haemorrhage – a guide for patients and carers. It has been written to answer some of the questions asked by people who have a vascular malformation, as well as their families and carers. The medical information in this booklet is evidence-based and draws on current best practice guidelines.
Because each person is affected differently, it is important that you also speak to your own general practitioner (GP), or to the hospital doctor who is looking after you. They are in a position to offer advice and information that is specific to you.
Words that are printed in bold are explained in the glossary.
Because each person is affected differently, it is important that you also speak to your own general practitioner (GP), or to the hospital doctor who is looking after you. They are in a position to offer advice and information that is specific to you.
Words that are printed in bold are explained in the glossary.
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Contents
- Introduction
- What is a vascular malformation of the brain?
- Arteriovenous malformation (AVM)
- Cavernous malformation
- Venous malformation
- What tests will the doctors do?
- What are the symptoms of a vascular malformation?
- What are the risks for the future?
- How can vascular malformations be treated?
- What is embolisation?
- What is stereotactic radiosurgery?
- What is neurosurgery?
- What other treatments might I have?
- How will my life be affected?
- Other organisations that may be able to help
