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Vascular malformations of the brain
A guide for patients and carers
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Possible treatments for vascular malformations of the brain
It is not a simple decision whether to go ahead with any of the possible treatments for vascular malformations of the brain. The risks of leaving your vascular malformation alone need to be weighed up against the risks and benefits of treatment. Your own preferences will also be taken into account. If you attend a specialist clinic, a team of doctors might be involved in making this decision with you.
The aim of treatment is to protect you from experiencing or developing any future problems related to your vascular malformation by getting rid of it completely. Unfortunately, there is no treatment that can undo any damage that has already been done to your brain.
Sometimes, the best policy for an individual is to have no treatment at all. There is a need for more research into the treatment of vascular malformations of the brain.
The main methods of treatment are embolisation, stereotactic radiosurgery, and neurosurgery (a craniotomy). You might have a one-off treatment, a combination of more than one treatment, or with embolisation, several separate treatments. Each vascular malformation is different and will require an individualised treatment plan.
Sometimes, the best policy for an individual is to have no treatment at all. There is a need for more research into the treatment of vascular malformations of the brain.
The main methods of treatment are embolisation, stereotactic radiosurgery, and neurosurgery (a craniotomy). You might have a one-off treatment, a combination of more than one treatment, or with embolisation, several separate treatments. Each vascular malformation is different and will require an individualised treatment plan.
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Contents
- What are vascular malformations of the brain?
- Arteriovenous malformations (AVMs)
- Cavernous malformations (cavernomas)
- Developmental venous anomalies (venous malformations)
- Moyamoya disease
- Common questions about vascular malformations of the brain
- Symptoms of vascular malformations of the brain
- Tests and investigations for vascular malformations of the brain
- Possible treatments for vascular malformations of the brain
- Embolisation
- Stereotactic radiosurgery
- Neurosurgery (craniotomy)
- Other treatments for vascular malformations of the brain
- Everyday activities
- Research into vascular malformations of the brain
- Health professionals working with vascular malformations of the brain
- Useful contacts, support groups and further reading
- Thank you
- Your feedback on Vascular malformations of the brain
