1. What is cerebrovascular malformation? What does “malformation” mean?
Cerebrovascular malformation is a congenital, non-neoplastic developmental abnormality of cerebral blood vessels, which is caused by the developmental disorder of cerebral blood vessels and the abnormal number and structure of local blood vessels in the brain, and has an impact on normal cerebral blood flow. Its rupture and bleeding are mainly manifested as intracerebral hemorrhage or hematoma. Cerebrovascular malformation is also called hemangioma, but it is not a malignant tumor and belongs to benign lesions. Many people are troubled by malformations, in fact, any abnormalities of arteriovenous development can be called malformations.
2.Is cerebrovascular malformation a congenital disease? Can cerebrovascular malformation occur in the process of acquired growth and development?
Cerebrovascular malformation is a congenital developmental abnormality, whether it exists at birth or grows up later in life is not yet clear. However, the possibility of congenital presence is high. It is usually difficult to detect when there are no symptoms.
3.What are the causative factors of cerebrovascular malformation?
Most of the causes of vascular disease are not clear, generally genetic abnormalities, chromosomal variants, embryonic if some factors affect the normal development of its original cerebrovascular network, capillary incompetence, arteriovenous direct connection to form a short circuit, the development of cerebral arteriovenous malformation.
4.What kind of people does this disease mostly occur in? Is it more likely to occur in young people?
Cerebrovascular malformation is more common in young people, the average age of onset is 20-40 years old.
5.What are the typical symptoms of cerebrovascular malformation? How does it differ from ordinary headache?
(1) Pulsating headache
It is located on the sick side and may be accompanied by intracranial vascular murmur. This is different from the common headache.
(2) Hemorrhage
It is often the first symptom, manifested as subarachnoid hemorrhage or intracerebral hematoma.
(3) Epilepsy
It can be the first symptom or seen after hemorrhage, mostly generalized seizures or limited seizures, and limited seizures have localization.
(4) Concomitant symptoms
In supratentorial lesions, there may be mental abnormalities, hemiparesis, aphasia, dyslexia and dyscalculia. In subscripts, vertigo, diplopia, ophthalmoplegia and gait instability are more common.
6. What conditions can trigger epilepsy? Is it necessary to treat with medication for epilepsy?
The first symptom of cerebrovascular malformation is epilepsy, which is usually caused by the stimulation of the lesion itself. It can be treated with medication for epilepsy, which is good for early treatment and symptom control.
7. Are all cerebrovascular malformations prone to rupture and bleeding? Is it life-threatening? What actions can lead to rupture?
Some vascular malformations can rupture and bleed, and serious bleeding can be life-threatening. Usually, smoking and drinking, irregular lifestyle, and increased cardiovascular burden due to overeating can cause AVM rupture.
8.Is there no need to pay special attention to cerebral vascular malformation if it is found but not ruptured and bleeding?
No. When a vascular malformation is found, regardless of whether it ruptures or not, it should be actively treated. Because the rupture of a vascular malformation causes a high rate of disability and death. With a time bomb, there is always a risk of explosion. Therefore, active treatment is the best policy.