Vascular Disorders of the Brain and Spine
Pediatric Neurosurgical Conditions
Vascular Disorders of the Brain and Spinal Cord
Vascular disorders of the brain and spinal cord involve abnormalities of the blood vessels that can disrupt normal blood flow and place children at risk for stroke, hemorrhage, seizures, and long-term neurological injury. Although less common in children than in adults, these conditions can be complex and potentially life-threatening, requiring prompt diagnosis and highly specialized care.
Common pediatric vascular disorders include arteriovenous malformations (AVMs), cavernous malformations, aneurysms, moyamoya disease, dural arteriovenous fistulas, and spinal vascular malformations. Symptoms vary widely and may include headaches, seizures, weakness, numbness, vision changes, developmental delays, or sudden neurological deterioration. Some children present with hemorrhage or stroke as the first sign of an underlying vascular condition.
Diagnosis relies on advanced imaging, including MRI, MRA, CTA, and catheter-based cerebral angiography, to precisely define the anatomy and behavior of the abnormal vessels. Treatment is carefully individualized and may involve microsurgical resection, endovascular embolization, stereotactic radiosurgery, or a combination of these approaches. Advances in imaging, surgical techniques, and endovascular therapy have dramatically improved the safety and effectiveness of treatment for pediatric vascular disorders.
Our multidisciplinary cerebrovascular team brings together pediatric neurosurgeons, interventional neuroradiologists, neurologists, intensivists, and rehabilitation specialists to provide comprehensive care for children with vascular conditions of the brain and spinal cord. We focus not only on treating the immediate disorder, but also on long-term neurological health, cognitive development, and quality of life through ongoing follow-up and family-centered support.