overview
Vascular malformations of the central nervous system are rare abnormalities of the blood vessels in the brain or spinal cord and their membranes.
There are several types of central nervous system vascular malformations, including:
- Arteriovenous malformations (AVM). Arteriovenous malformations are abnormal tangles of blood vessels that connect arteries and veins. AVMs can occur anywhere in the body, but most often in or near the brain or spine.
- Capillary telangiectasia. Capillary telangiectasias are small enlarged blood vessels (capillaries).
- Cavernous malformations. Cavernous deformities are abnormally formed blood vessels in your brain or spinal cord that resemble a mulberry tree.
- Dural arteriovenous fistulas. Dural arteriovenous fistulas are abnormal connections between arteries and the hard wall of the brain or spinal cord (dura mater) and a drainage vein.
- Venous malformations. Venous malformations, also called venous developmental disorders, are abnormally enlarged veins in the brain or spinal cord.