Types of Vascular Malformations

Types of Vascular Malformations

Stanford Health Care is at the forefront of treating vascular malformations and has treated thousands of patients with arteriovenous malformations and cavernous malformations.

• Arteriovenous malformation (AVM) is an abnormal cluster of blood vessels in the brain or spine that can cause devastating neurological symptoms or even death. Normally, blood is carried to the brain through arteries and emptied through veins. Between the arteries and veins are capillaries that help decrease the pressure of the returning blood to the veins and back to the heart.
  
• Cavernous malformation is also known as cavernous angioma, cavernous hemangioma and cavernous vascular malformation. This is a type of vascular malformation that occurs in the brain and/or spine. Cavernous malformations are made up of fragile arteries and veins that tend to leak small amounts of blood and can cause large brain hemorrhages resulting in permanent neurological deficits, if not treated.