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 affects the 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, and external environmental factors may be related to the occurrence.
4.Which groups of people do the disease occur in? Is it more likely to occur in young people?
It is more common in young people, with an average age of 20 to 40 years.
5.What are the typical symptoms of cerebrovascular malformation? How does it differ from ordinary headache?
(1) Pulsatile headache
It is located on the diseased side and may be accompanied by intracranial vascular murmur. This is different from the common headache.
2) Bleeding
It is often the first symptom and manifests as a subarachnoid hemorrhage or intracerebral hematoma.
3) Epilepsy
May be the first symptom or seen after hemorrhage, mostly generalized seizures or limited seizures, with localization of limited seizures.
4) Concomitant symptoms
Those with supratentorial lesions may have mental abnormalities, hemiparesis, aphasia, dyslexia and dyscalculia. In subscripts, vertigo, diplopia, ophthalmoplegia and gait instability are mostly seen.
6. What conditions can trigger epilepsy? Is it necessary to treat with medication for epilepsy?
The first symptom of cerebrovascular malformation is epilepsy, which 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 behaviors 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.