UT Southwestern Medical Center’s
cerebrovascular experts offer both initial evaluations and second opinions for
patients with vascular malformations of the brain. We try to see patients
within 24 hours of an appointment request and provide an evaluation of the
situation before the patient leaves that day.
Each of our specialists has more than a
decade of experience evaluating and treating vascular malformations of the
brain, including some of the rarest cases. Physicians throughout the state
refer their cases to us for evaluation and treatment because of our familiarity
with these disorders and our comprehensive approach to care.
What to Expect
Evaluation is the first step in determining
the best treatment options for a vascular malformation of the brain. The
initial evaluation helps us establish its type, size, and location in the brain
so we can make an informed decision about the optimal treatment we’ll
recommend.
To evaluate a patient, we take detailed
images of the brain that will help us identify the location and size of the
vascular malformation, as well as the effect it is having on the rest of the brain.
If the patient has had a recent computed tomography (CT) scan
or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
scan of the brain, it’s important to bring those images to the evaluation
appointment. We might perform additional imaging tests, but only if it’s
absolutely necessary.
Once the vascular malformation has been
identified, we might perform an angiogram to help us visualize the blood
vessels and flow of blood in the brain. This test can be performed before
treatment begins but isn’t normally done during a first appointment.
