Cerebrovascular Disease in Children
Cerebrovascular diseases such as stroke and hemorrhages stem from problems with the blood vessels in the brain. These conditions can quickly become life-threatening, but with expert care, many children can make a full recovery.
At Cedars-Sinai, our team has decades of experience and success treating pediatric cerebrovascular disease in newborns, children and young adults. Patients with some of the most severe problems can return to their daily activities.
Our Approach to Pediatric Cerebrovascular Disease Care
Successful treatment for pediatric cerebrovascular disease requires expertise in how these conditions uniquely affect children. At Cedars-Sinai, your child receives care from doctors who specialize in pediatric cerebrovascular diseases. We use child-friendly tools to effectively treat the problem. We diagnose problems in their early stages and deliver the latest pediatric treatments.
Minimally Invasive Techniques
We use endovascular methods for accessing and repairing problems through tiny incisions. Other techniques use sophisticated microscopes and navigation systems to locate and treat abnormal blood vessels. These techniques help us perform precise procedures so your child can recover quickly. Learn more about pediatric neurovascular surgery.
Exceptional Imaging Capabilities
Our neuroimaging specialist provides a unique perspective when evaluating vascular problems. We diagnose these problems in earlier stages before they become life-threatening. And we meticulously plan procedures, so your child achieves the best possible results. Find out more about cerebrovascular malformations in children.
Pioneering Research
Our team has been involved in developing pediatric stroke care techniques. One of our experts helped develop a device that restores blood flow to the brain. We share our knowledge with doctors all over the world. Get more information about pediatric stroke.
Types of Cerebrovascular Disease We Treat
We treat a broad range of cerebrovascular conditions, including:
- Aneurysm, a bulging or weak area in a blood vessel wall
- Arteriovenous malformations, tangles of abnormal vessels that can cause bleeding or seizures
- Carotid dissection, a tear in one of the arteries supplying blood to the brain
- Clotting disorders, which cause blood cells to collect, forming clots that may block blood flow to the brain, or prevent proper clotting, which can lead to bruising easily and bleeding too much
- Intraventricular hemorrhage of prematurity, bleeding near the brain's ventricles (hollow spaces that regulate spinal fluid) that occurs in premature babies
- Ischemic stroke, a blood clot or abnormally thick artery that cuts off blood flow to the brain
- Moyamoya disease, a condition that causes blocked arteries in the base of the brain, leading to recurring ischemic strokes and bleeding
- Neonatal stroke, temporary disruption of blood flow to the brain that occurs in newborns
- Spinal arteriovenous fistulas, abnormal connections between arteries and veins in the spinal canal that may affect a child's limbs
Coordinated Treatments for Pediatric Cerebrovascular Disease
Our cerebrovascular disease specialists work alongside other Cedars-Sinai experts whenever necessary to treat complex conditions.
Our coordinated approach helps your child receive the best possible care for problems such as:
- Brain tumors: Our cerebrovascular disease experts cut off the tumor's blood flow, so the pediatric neurosurgeons can safely remove the tumor. Read more about pediatric brain tumor surgery.
- Vascular malformations in hard-to-reach areas: Pediatric neurosurgeons access the problem while protecting nearby healthy tissue. Our cerebrovascular disease specialists then remove or repair the malformation.
- Complications of heart disease: Children with conditions such as congenital heart disease and arrhythmias face a higher risk of stroke. Our cerebrovascular experts are on standby to help children who show stroke symptoms after a heart procedure.
Have Questions or Need a Second Opinion?
Call us or send a message to our pediatric neurosurgery care team. You can also have us call you back at your convenience.