Intracranial venous malformations

Overview

Intracranial venous malformations are abnormally enlarged blood veins in the brain. They are often referred to as vascular or cerebral malformations. These larger veins are unlikely to result in symptoms or have an impact on how the veins function.

An intracranial venous malformation may exist in certain persons but never be recognized or show any symptoms. When the patient undergoes a brain imaging exam for another condition, they may occasionally be discovered by accident.

Treatment for intracranial venous abnormalities is typically not necessary.

Symptoms

Intracranial venous malformations frequently go undetected, when they occur, they can cause the following symptoms:

• Headaches
• Seizures
• Brain hemorrhage
• Cognitive problem
• Depression or anxiety

Cause

It is uncertain what causes cerebral venous formations, but they could be hereditary and present at birth. Both men and women can develop these forms to the same extent.