Angioma of the brain

Venous-arterial and venous angioma of the brain is a limited vascular enlargement that looks like a tangled ball of blood vessels. Such a tangle can have different sizes and different degrees of fullness.

Usually, this pathology is benign in nature, but this disease can not be called innocuous.

Causes of the angiomas of the brain

Angioma of the brain is a pathologically expanded vasculature that joins one another in an education. The reasons for this unification are not thoroughly studied. Presumably, the cause may be genetic defects or diseases that occurred later (for example, head trauma or infectious lesions).

The proportion of congenital angiomas is 95% of all detected cases. The remaining 5% is affected by vascular pathologies that develop as a result of trauma (especially severe craniocerebral), or infectious damage to the vascular walls.

The pathogenesis of the disease is complicated, but it is simplistic to state it roughly like this:

• a healthy arterial vessel is first divided into small arterioles, then branched into capillaries, which are then combined into a vein;
• when angiome arterial vessel directly passes into the venous, as a result of which the process of blood circulation is disrupted, as the blood is forced redistributed in other vessels. The damaged vessel, simply put, "steals" the blood from a normal vessel, which provokes a disruption in the nutrition of nearby neurons of the brain. All this is accompanied by a specific neurological clinical picture, which can be different, depending on the location of the angioma in relation to the brain regions.

The danger of the situation is that such vascular formations tend to bleed: because of this, they need to be detected and treated in a timely manner.

[1], [2], [3], [4]

Symptoms of the angiomas of the brain

Angioma for some time after development can not manifest itself in any way, until its dimensions reach those that will begin to put pressure on the nearest tissues. In the worst case scenario, the affected vascular wall may burst, causing a hemorrhage with the corresponding clinical picture.

The first signs of pathology are headaches and dizziness, which practically can not be treated with usual analgesic drugs. Later, weakness of the limbs, convulsions, fatigue, loss of ability to work may appear.

When the tumor begins to squeeze the nearby structures of the brain, it can manifest itself with the following symptoms:

• pain in the head - permanent, with increasing intensity, pressing, dull, aching, pulsating;
• epileptic seizures, convulsive syndrome;
• dizziness;
• paresis and paralysis (depending on the location of the tumor);
• attacks of nausea and vomiting;
• disorders of motor coordination, unsteady gait;
• noise and discomfort in the ears and head;
• disorder of speech and visual functions;
• changes in taste;
• mental disorders, memory impairment and concentration of attention.

The symptomatic picture of the disease may vary depending on the location and type of tumor:

• Venous angioma of the brain is an incorrect and illogical convergence of the vessels. Visually, it has the form of a cluster of vessels assembled in a ball, combining behind the cluster into one common dilated venous trunk. This kind of angioma has the least danger for human life. Often the patient can live to the advanced age, not assuming the presence of a defect in the cerebral vasculature of the brain. Certainly, signs of the disease may be present, but the risk of rupture of such an angioma is relatively low.
• Cavernous angioma of the brain, in contrast to venous, is considered quite dangerous. It consists of intravascular cavities, which is called the "cavern". Cavities are separated from each other by their own kind of membranes (they are called trabeculae). Circulation in the cavities is constantly broken, and the vascular walls are thin and weak. This also serves as a risk factor: there is a great danger that the cavity will rupture and cerebral hemorrhage will occur. According to statistics, this is exactly what happens in almost every third patient with this diagnosis.

Hemorrhage can erupt at any second of life. This can be facilitated by:

• increased blood pressure;
• even a slight physical load;
• sharp slope, turn of the head, jump;
• stressful situation;
• minor head trauma.

Cavernous angioma is often accompanied by the appearance of convulsions, which should alert both the patient and the doctor.

By the location of angiomas are most often subdivided into such types:

• angioma of the cerebellum (right or left hemisphere);
• Angioma of the frontal lobe of the brain (right or left);
• angioma of the parietal lobe of the brain (right or left);
• Angioma of the temporal lobe (right or left).

[5], [6], [7]

Complications and consequences

What consequences or complications can occur with the development of angioma? This may depend on which of the brain regions in which the vascular formation is located, on its size, the degree of prescription of the pathology, the lifestyle of the patient and many other factors. If the disease is detected too late or not treated, shortly there may be complications: ruptures of the vascular wall, subarachnoid hemorrhages, growth of the neoplasm in the volume, local blood flow disorder, circulatory disturbance in the brain and even fatal outcome.

As we already mentioned above, the usual prognosis is the usual venous angioma. A person can live with such a pathology and not suspect about its existence. However, cases are different, and from undesirable manifestations of the disease no one is immune. This also applies to angiomas - this disease is very whimsical, and no one can predict how it will behave in the future. Angiom is popularly called a "vascular bomb", because it can explode at any time. Therefore, experts advise: even with a favorable course of such a tumor it is important to regularly monitor its development, monitor its growth and periodically conduct course preventive treatment to strengthen the vascular wall.

[8],

Diagnostics of the angiomas of the brain

In most cases, angioma does not show itself at first: normal tests do not indicate a vascular problem. Most often, the disease is found after the onset of symptoms, or during brain examinations for other diseases.

Modern instrumental diagnostics allows to obtain exhaustive data on angioma and to determine the most optimal treatment.

• The method of angiography - X-ray examination of vessels with the use of contrast. The snapshot will help to detect the degree of constriction or destruction of the cerebral vascular system, identifying changes in the vascular wall and identifying weaknesses. This diagnostic procedure is assigned to determine circulatory disorders in the brain. It helps to clearly define the localization, volumes and form of angioma, as well as to detect a damaged vessel. Diagnosis is carried out in a specialized equipped office. First, the doctor enters the local anesthetic, then pierces the catheter into the vessel and moves it to the affected area. Contrast substance injected into the bloodstream diverges along the vascular network, after which the doctor takes a few pictures, after which a diagnosis is subsequently made.
• The method of computed tomography is a very popular non-invasive procedure, which does not cause pain or discomfort, and is quite informative. Can be carried out, either with the use of contrast medium, or without it. As a result, the doctor receives detailed layered x-rays in the form of two-dimensional images, which allows us to examine the pathology in detail. The procedure is carried out only in special offices with the appropriate device - a tomograph.
• The method of magnetic resonance imaging somewhat resembles CT, but instead of X-rays, radio wave and magnetic radiation are used here. Images are obtained in detailed, three-dimensional. The method is painless and informative.

[9], [10]

Differential diagnosis

Differential diagnostics is most often performed with an aneurysm - in case of suspicion of a rupture, the doctor can prescribe to the patient the examination of cerebrospinal fluid. The analysis will reveal in it traces of bleeding or hemorrhage. This procedure can be carried out only in a hospital.

Treatment of the angiomas of the brain

Unfortunately, even with the current capabilities of modern medicine, there is no such medicine that could be taken and cured of angioma of the brain. As a rule, if there is no threat of hemorrhage, symptomatic therapy aimed at alleviating the patient's condition is prescribed. Vascular drugs, analgesics and sedatives are used. Such drugs are only temporary treatment, as the cause of the disease remains.

It should be borne in mind that any, even benign brain tumor can be dangerous, as there is pressure on the nearby tissues. As a consequence, angiomas are more often removed to avoid severe consequences. Only in some cases, if the venous angioma is not accompanied by any clinical signs and was discovered by accident, the doctor can not take cardinal measures and simply observe the pathology, periodically sending the patient to a survey.

Surgical treatment of angioma can include one of the following methods:

• Surgical removal of vascular congestion. This procedure is used for a relatively close location of the tumor to the surface. Deep angiomas are removed by other routes, usually less traumatic.
• The use of gamma radiation ("cyberknife"). Due to the directed length of radiation, the vessels are clogged, from which the angioma is formed. Blood circulation in the bundle stops, as a result of which the tumor ceases to develop and no longer poses a danger.
• The method of introducing a special sclerosing agent through a vascular catheter. This procedure also leads to clogging of the lumen of the vascular bundle.

There are other expensive, but more modern and advanced methods that allow the patient to retain the right to a healthy life:

• method of angioplasty;
• method of embolization (coiling, or occlusion) - using a catheterization, a special platinum helix is introduced into the vascular lumen, which clogs the vessel;
• the introduction of a liquid embolizate - a special substance that, like a sponge, penetrates into all the smallest cavities of the vessel, "cutting off" angioma from the general circulatory system. After a certain period of time, the site with the embolizate inserted is replaced with a connective tissue.

Alternative treatment of angioma of the brain

The treatment with cerebrovascular angiomas can be used to alleviate the symptoms of the disease. Unfortunately, completely from a problem it will not be possible to get rid. However, before starting such treatment it is still recommended to consult a doctor who is treating.

• To prevent vascular wall ruptures, it is possible to increase its elasticity. This can be achieved by drinking daily on an empty stomach 2 tbsp. L. Vegetable oil (one - in the morning, the second - at night). Used as olive or linseed oil, and unrefined sunflower.
• Increase the elasticity of the vessels will help and another common recipe: take on an empty stomach every morning a mixture of equal parts of natural honey, vegetable oil and lemon juice.
• Improve the blood circulation in the vascular network the following recipe: every day in the morning take a tablespoon of fresh potato juice.
• Another popular alternative is garlic infusion. For its preparation, grate the garlic head and one lemon (with skin) on a shallow grater, mix, pour 0.5 l of boiled chilled water and insist for 3 days. Drink 2 tablespoons. L. Daily, store in the refrigerator.
• With severe headaches, fennel seeds can help. You need to pour 200 ml of boiling water 1 tbsp. L. Seeds. Drink 1 tbsp. L. 4 rubles per day.
• To facilitate dizziness and ringing in the head it is useful to drink tea from lemon balm, several times a day.

Other methods of treatment of angioma of the brain

• Homeopathy. The impact of homeopathic remedies is explained by the use of specially selected small concentrations of herbal medicines, which allows to obtain a positive effect of the drug and simultaneously reduce the risk of side effects. Usually the treatment with homeopathy is long, and the drugs are selected strictly individually. To improve the condition of patients with angioma, such remedies as Cerebralik and Edas-138 received good reviews. These drugs eliminate such unpleasant symptoms of pathology as dizziness, loss of attention, etc. They should be taken only after the approval of a doctor.
• Vitamins and minerals. As a rule, mineral-vitamin preparations are prescribed in order to increase the elasticity of the vascular walls. The drugs of choice include: vitamin P (contained in Ascorutinum, Blueberry Fort), multivitamins with potassium, selenium, silicon, and also Dihydroquercetin (a vitamin plant preparation based on larch).
• Diet. The features of nutrition often postpone the imprint on the state of our vessels. Diet with angioma should be designed to stabilize blood pressure, lower blood cholesterol levels. For this, it is recommended to limit the consumption of fatty meat, fat, by-products (liver, kidneys), butter, fatty milk and cream. It is not advisable to use boiled broths, smoked products, sausage, canned food, baked and layered pastries, shop sauces, coffee and chocolate. Salt should also be limited - no more than 3-4 grams per day. We welcome the use of fish, seafood, cereals, plant foods, dried fruits. Be sure to include the greens in the diet.

Any methods of treatment of angioma should not be self-medication - remember the seriousness of the disease, in which self-prescribing of drugs and preparations can become deadly.

[11], [12], [13]

Prevention

Currently, there is no prophylaxis of angioma of the brain, as the causes of the disease are not fully understood, and in most cases the pathology is congenital.

Patients with a diagnosis of vascular angioma are encouraged to carefully and regularly monitor blood pressure indicators, abandon bad habits such as smoking, alcohol and drugs. Such patients should necessarily consult with the doctor periodically, since even commonplace medications for headache, such as acetylsalicylic acid or citramone, can cause hemorrhage. Also, because of the risk of bleeding, women need to be cautious about using oral contraceptives, and do not take them without the permission of a doctor.

To avoid complications, patients are not recommended increased physical activity. You should avoid stressful situations, control your weight and pressure, monitor your diet, fully and fairly rest.

[14], [15], [16], [17]

Forecast

Often, intact vascular angioma can remain undetected throughout the life of the patient. It also happens that the hemorrhage is sudden and fatal, provokes hemorrhagic stroke, vasospasm, which causes disability or fatal outcome due to rupture of the vascular bundle. In addition, often there is a development of a coma, a transient or irreversible disorder of brain activity.

In general, the prognosis of the disease can to a great extent depend on the patient's age category, on the general characteristics of his health, on the presence of other vascular diseases, on the location of the pathological cluster, and on the occurrence of a hemorrhage, on his degree and on the timeliness of the medical care provided.

The benefit of the prognosis is based on two important factors - a timely diagnosis and a properly prescribed treatment regimen.

Patients after surgical removal of angiomas almost always have all chances for a full-fledged healthy life. Full recovery usually lasts from one to several months.

Angioma of the brain is considered a benign, but very dangerous disease, which can lead to at times unpredictable consequences. Therefore, to treat this pathology should be responsible and serious.

[18], [19], [20]