Intracranial Venous Malformations

Intracranial venous malformations — sometimes called developmental venous anomalies — are abnormal clusters of veins in the brain. They’re the most common type of blood vessel malformation in the brain and are usually considered a normal variant rather than a disease.

Signs & Symptoms

The great majority cause no symptoms and are discovered incidentally on brain imaging done for another reason. Rarely, they’re associated with bleeding or seizures, usually only when found alongside a cavernous malformation.

Causes & Risk Factors

These malformations are present from birth and represent a variation in how the brain’s veins developed. They aren’t thought to be inherited.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis is made with MRI, often incidentally while imaging for an unrelated reason.

Treatment Options

Most venous malformations require no treatment and are simply monitored. Treatment is only considered in the rare cases associated with bleeding or a related abnormality.

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This information is for general education and isn’t a diagnosis or medical advice. To find out what’s right for you, request an appointment or call 810-262-7030.