Complexities and complications: The real deal on vascular malformations

Vascular malformations are congenital, non-cancerous anomalies which may affect the arteries, veins, and lymph vessels. They are usually present at birth, although detection is not possible until it becomes fully visible weeks or months after birth.

 

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Vascular malformations are highly variable, and visibility may depend on the size, type, and location of the malformation. The malformations themselves do not present any empirical and serious symptoms. However, when both the arteries and veins (arteriovenous malformations) are involved, this rare case may border the life-threatening.

Some of the common complications of arteriovenous malformation include:

Seizures

Abnormality in vascular structures may cause inadequate delivery of oxygen to the brain. Due to resulting oxygenation problems, children with arteriovenous malformations may experience seizures secondary to brain ischemia.

 

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Headaches

While all children experience headaches at some point in their lives, headache secondary to arteriovenous malformations may become so severe that it can actually disrupt their daily activities. This may be due to the abnormal expansion of blood vessels in the brain, an expected pathophysiological change in patients suffering from the condition.

 

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Neurological problems

The decreased perfusion to the brain may also take a toll on one’s cognitive abilities. Patients’ higher brain functions, including the capacity to pick up basic concepts and skills, may slow down or be compromised. This ultimately results to a variety of learning disorders which may make social movement more difficult for the child.

Vascular malformations are currently being treated under Satori World Medical’s world-class Global Health Network. This website provides more information on how to take advantage of medical travel in the surgical management of this condition.