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Brain Malformations

Also called: Cephalic disorders

Most brain malformations begin long before a baby is born. Something damages the developing nervous system or causes it to develop abnormally. Sometimes it's a genetic problem. In other cases, exposure to certain medicines, infections, or radiation during pregnancy interferes with brain development. Parts of the brain may be missing, abnormally small or large, or not fully developed.

Treatment depends upon the problem. In many cases, treatment only helps with symptoms. It may include antiseizure medicines, shunts to drain fluid from the brain, and physical therapy.

There are head malformations that do not involve the brain. Craniofacial disorders are the result of abnormal growth of soft tissue and bones in the face and head. It's common for new babies to have slightly uneven heads, but parents should watch the shape of their baby's head for possible problems.

NIH: National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke

Symptoms of Brain Malformations

The following features are indicative of Brain Malformations:
  • haemorrhage
  • seizures
  • headache or pain in one area of the head
  • muscle weakness or numbness in one part of the body
  • severe headache
  • weakness, numbness or paralysis
  • vision loss
  • difficulty speaking
  • confusion or inability to understand others
It is possible that Brain Malformations shows no physical symptoms and still is present in a patient.

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Common Causes of Brain Malformations

The following are the most common causes of Brain Malformations:
  • hereditary
  • exposure to radiation
  • when the cranial sutures join prematurely
  • maternal infection

Risk Factors for Brain Malformations

The following factors may increase the likelihood of Brain Malformations:
  • being male
  • having a family history

Prevention of Brain Malformations

No, it is not possible to prevent Brain Malformations.
  • hereditary

Occurrence of Brain Malformations

Number of Cases

The following are the number of Brain Malformations cases seen each year worldwide:
  • Not common between 50K - 500K cases

Common Age Group

Brain Malformations can occur at any age.

Common Gender

Brain Malformations can occur in any gender.

Lab Tests and Procedures for Diagnosis of Brain Malformations

The following lab tests and procedures are used to detect Brain Malformations:
  • Cerebral arteriography: To reveal the location and characteristics of the feeding arteries and draining veins
  • Computerized tomography (CT) scan: To create a detailed cross-sectional image of the brain
  • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): To create detailed images of the brain

Doctor for Diagnosis of Brain Malformations

Patients should visit the following specialists if they have symptoms of Brain Malformations:
  • Neurologist

Complications of Brain Malformations if untreated

Yes, Brain Malformations causes complications if it is not treated. Below is the list of complications and problems that may arise if Brain Malformations is left untreated:
  • bleeding in the brain
  • reduced oxygen to the brain tissue
  • thin or weak blood vessels
  • brain damage

Procedures for Treatment of Brain Malformations

The following procedures are used to treat Brain Malformations:
  • Stereotactic radiosurgery: To kill the brain malformations
  • Surgical removal: To remove the part of the skull temporarily
  • Endovascular embolization: To decrease the stroke-like symptoms

Patient Support for Treatment of Brain Malformations

The following actions may help Brain Malformations patients:
  • Keep close relationship with friends and family: Helps in recovering the disease
  • Educate about the disease: Learn enough about brain AVM to make informed decisions about the care

Time for Treatment of Brain Malformations

While time-period of treatment for each patient may vary, below is the typical time-period for Brain Malformations to resolve if treated properly under an expert supervision:
  • More than 1 year

Last updated date

This page was last updated on 2/04/2019.
This page provides information for Brain Malformations.
Birth Defects
Brain Diseases
Cerebellar Disorders
Craniofacial Abnormalities
Hydrocephalus
Neural Tube Defects

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