Vascular Malformations of Spine
Vascular malformations of spine can cause severe medical issues. Vascular malformations are the abnormal blood vessel that forms a direct connection between arteries and veins. They do not have a normal capillary mesh that facilitates blood flow and deprives the surrounding cells of spine from oxygen causing cells deterioration or death. Vascular malformations can occur in the spinal cord, the tissues around the spinal canal, the bones and tissues of the spine causing weakness or paralysis of the legs. The major cells and tissues surrounding the spine are deprived of oxygen causing weakness and numbness in the area leading to paralysis of the spine or legs.
Symptoms of Vascular Malformations of Spine
Vascular malformation may develop at birth or later stages of life. Symptoms of this condition include:
- Decreased blood supply to the spine and nerves
- Excess pressure from the abnormal vessels on the spine
- Hemorrhage due to rupture of the vessels
- Pain, numbness or tingling sensation radiating down the legs
- Loss of bladder control
- Lower extremity weakness
- Problems with walking or climbing stairs
- Sudden and severe back pain
- Headache
- Stiff neck
- Sensitivity to light
- Vascular malformations in the Spine are classified into three types
- Neoplastic tumors with prominent vascular supply
- Spinal aneurysms
- Spinal arteriovenous lesions.
Diagnosis
The doctor conducts a spinal angiogram and angiography to provide a detailed roadmap of the blood vessels in the spine and to determine the location and characteristics of the blood vessels of vascular malformations.
Treatment options for vascular malformation of spine
At Venkateswara Hospital, we provide various treatment options for most severe vascular malformation of the spine using the latest tools and techniques from skilled and experienced surgeons, doctors and staff. The treatment approach involves a combination of techniques to reduce the symptoms depending on the size, location and blood flow of the spine. The aim of treatment methods is to reduce the risk of hemorrhage and stop or prevent the progression of disability. Pain-relieving medications are prescribed to reduce symptoms and to prepare for the surgery.
The surgical method for treating vascular malformation of spine is termed as an Endovascular embolization. This is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that involves a catheter that is inserted into an artery to inject small particles of a glue-like substance to block the artery in the vascular malformation and to reduce the blood flow. For more severe cases, the vascular malformation is removed from the spine to reduce the risk of hemorrhage.
After the surgery, during the healing period, the physical therapist plan customized the treatment program to improve the range of motion, focusing on muscle strength and stability of the spine. The therapists manipulate the muscles and joints to improve their flexibility.
At Venkateswara Hospital, we provide safe, effective and minimally invasive Vascular Surgery for vascular malformation of the spine and enables a faster recovery. To know more about vascular malformation of the spine treatment plans, book an appointment now.
