Central Nervous System Vascular Malformations

Overview

To diagnose a central nervous system vascular malformation, a health care provider looks for a family history of stroke, epilepsy or related conditions. Some vascular malformations make a whooshing sound, called a bruit. Fast blood flow through a malformation causes the bruit. A provider might hear the sound through a stethoscope.

Imaging tests

Imaging tests such as an angiogram can detect a central nervous system vascular malformation. An angiogram shows blood flow through arteries or veins. Blood vessels appear on the image after a contrast dye is put into the blood. The dye lights up on the scan.

A magnetic resonance angiogram or a computerized tomography angiogram might be used to diagnose a central nervous system vascular malformation and plan treatment.

Some vascular malformations, such as cavernous malformations, are found using regular MRI or CT scans.

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Symptoms

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Complications

Blood clots are a dangerous complication of atrial fibrillation (AFib). Blood clots can lead to stroke.

The risk of stroke from AFib increases as you grow older. Other health conditions also may increase the risk of a stroke due to AFib. These conditions include:

High blood pressure.
Diabetes.
Heart failure.
Some types of heart valve disease.

Blood thinners are commonly prescribed to prevent blood clots and strokes in people with atrial fibrillation.

Prevention

Healthy lifestyle choices can reduce the risk of heart disease and may prevent atrial fibrillation (AFib). Here are some basic heart-healthy tips:

Control high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes.
Don't smoke or use tobacco.
Eat a diet that's low in salt and saturated fat.
Exercise at least 30 minutes a day on most days of the week unless your health care team says not to.
Get good sleep. Adults should aim for 7 to 9 hours daily.
Maintain a healthy weight.
Reduce and manage stress.

By Freedmans Health Clinic Staff

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