Cerebrovascular and Vascular Disorders

Some vascular abnormalities in children can lead to significant lifelong disabilities, while others are more cosmetic in nature. Many conditions are treated by pediatric neurosurgeons at Children's of Mississippi.

Conditions we treat

Our pediatric neurosurgeons are experienced in treating many vascular disorders, including:

• Pediatric arteriovenous malformations (AVMs)
  AVM is a tangled web of arteries and veins that can impact the brain's ability to function. A child may be born with AVM, or symptoms may develop over time.
• Cavernous malformations
  An abnormally formed mass of blood vessels in the brain or spinal cord can be hereditary but may also form on its own. Depending on the severity, these blackberry-looking vessels can leak blood and cause neurological symptoms such as numbness, unsteadiness, vision problems, even seizures.
• Pediatric stroke
  A blood clot forming in the heart and traveling to the brain is a common cause of ischemic stroke. This kind of stroke can be caused by congenital heart problems, sickle cell disease, and physical trauma, among other things.
  
  When a blood vessel on or in the brain ruptures and blood flows where it's not supposed to, the blood may form clots or not reach certain areas, depriving the brain of oxygen and resulting in permanent brain damage. Hemorrhagic strokes are most often caused by rupturing, weakened or malformed arteries.
• Vascular malformations and hemangiomas
  Often referred to simply as a "birthmark," vascular malformations and hemangiomas may appear at birth or shortly after. Hemangiomas - commonly referred to as a port-wine stain, strawberry angioma, salmon patch, rose patch - usually appear shortly after birth and may grow for a while before shrinking.
  
  Vascular malformations can affect arteries, veins, and lymph vessels and are present at birth. Symptoms may appear over time as a child grows and may include birthmarks, lumps under the skin, pain, bleeding, difficulty breathing, and other symptoms depending upon the type and location of the malformation.