Vascular Conditions

The Epilepsy Institute of New Jersey is a team of board-certified neurologists and neurosurgeons who provide expert care for a variety of pediatric neurological conditions, including vascular conditions. Our team uses advanced diagnostic tools and innovative treatment techniques to ensure the best outcomes for your child.

The Physical Impact

Vascular conditions in the brain are disorders that involve abnormal blood vessels or blood flow, which can lead to neurological symptoms and complications. These conditions may result in stroke, hemorrhage, or other forms of brain damage that can affect a child's motor function, cognition, and overall development. Common vascular conditions include arteriovenous malformations (AVMs), cavernous malformations, and aneurysms. Early detection and treatment are crucial to prevent complications such as brain injury, developmental delays, or lifelong disability.

How Common Is This Condition?

Vascular conditions in the brain are relatively rare but can have significant consequences when they do occur. AVMs and other vascular malformations are most commonly diagnosed in childhood or adolescence, although they may not always cause symptoms until later in life. These conditions affect both males and females and can vary widely in severity, depending on the location and size of the abnormal blood vessels.

Signs and Symptoms

Vascular conditions in the brain can present with a variety of symptoms, depending on the location and nature of the malformation. Common signs and symptoms include:

• Seizures: One of the most common manifestations, as abnormal blood vessels can irritate the brain and trigger seizures.
• Headaches: Often described as severe or sudden-onset headaches, which may be related to bleeding or pressure from a vascular malformation.
• Neurological deficits: Symptoms such as weakness, numbness, or paralysis, often affecting one side of the body.
• Cognitive or developmental delays: In some cases, vascular malformations can impact a child's cognitive development, leading to learning or memory difficulties.
• Vision changes: Depending on the location of the vascular malformation, children may experience visual disturbances, such as double vision or loss of vision in one or both eyes.
• Sudden loss of consciousness: This can occur in severe cases of brain hemorrhage or stroke related to vascular abnormalities.

How We Diagnose

At the Epilepsy Institute of New Jersey, diagnosing vascular conditions in the brain begins with a detailed evaluation of your child's medical history, symptoms, and neurological function. Our diagnostic steps often include:

• MRI or CT Scans: These imaging studies are crucial for visualizing blood vessel abnormalities, hemorrhages, or areas of ischemia (reduced blood flow).
• Angiography: A specialized imaging technique that uses contrast dye to provide detailed images of the blood vessels in the brain and identify abnormal formations such as AVMs or aneurysms.
• EEG (Electroencephalogram): Used to detect abnormal brain activity, particularly in children who have seizures associated with vascular malformations.
• Clinical History: A review of symptoms, seizure patterns, and any previous head trauma helps guide the diagnosis and treatment planning.

Through these comprehensive diagnostic methods, we can confirm the presence of vascular conditions in the brain and develop a tailored treatment plan to address the specific needs of your child.

Treatment Options

Treatment for vascular conditions in the brain depends on the type, location, and severity of the malformation, as well as the child's overall health. Our goal is to manage symptoms, prevent complications such as stroke or hemorrhage, and improve your child's quality of life. Treatment options include:

• Medications: Anti-seizure medications may be prescribed to control seizures that result from vascular abnormalities in the brain.
• Surgical Intervention: If the malformation is causing significant symptoms, surgery may be recommended to remove or repair the abnormal blood vessels. This may include procedures such as microsurgical resection or stereotactic radiosurgery.
• Endovascular Embolization: This minimally invasive procedure involves the insertion of a catheter into the blood vessels to block the abnormal vessels and prevent bleeding or further growth of the malformation.
• Aneurysm Coiling or Clipping: In cases of brain aneurysms, procedures such as coiling (using coils to block the aneurysm) or clipping (surgically securing the aneurysm) may be used to prevent rupture.
• Lifestyle Modifications: In some cases, avoiding certain activities or situations that could trigger bleeding or injury, such as high-impact sports, may be recommended.
• Rehabilitation Therapy: If the vascular condition has caused neurological impairments, physical, occupational, and speech therapies may help your child recover motor skills, communication abilities, and cognitive function.

At the Epilepsy Institute of New Jersey, we offer a multidisciplinary approach to treating vascular conditions, working with specialists in neurosurgery, neurology, radiology, and rehabilitation to ensure the best possible care.