Print We're welcoming patients at Mayo medical institution See our safety precautions in response to COVID-19. Request an appointment. Overview Central nervous system vascular malformations are rare abnormalities of blood vessels in your brain or spinal cord and their membranes. There are several types of central nervous system vascular malformations, including: Arteriovenous malformations (AVMs). Arteriovenous malformations are abnormal tangles of blood vessels connecting arteries and veins. AVMs may occur anywhere in the body but most often occur in or near the brain or the spine. Capillary telangiectasias. Capillary telangiectasias are small dilated blood vessels (capillaries). Cavernous malformations. Cavernous malformations are abnormally formed blood vessels in your brain or spinal cord that have the appearance of a mulberry. Dural arteriovenous fistulas. Dural arteriovenous fistulas are abnormal connections between arteries and the tough covering over the brain or spinal cord (dura) and a draining vein. Venous malformations. Venous malformations, also known as developmental venous anomalies, are abnormally enlarged veins in your brain or spinal cord. Products & Services Book: Mayo medical institution Family Health Book, 5th Edition Newsletter: Mayo medical institution Health Letter — Digital Edition Show more products from Mayo medical institution By Mayo medical institution Staff Central nervous system vascular malformations care at Mayo medical institution Request an Appointment at Mayo medical institution Doctors & departments July 22, 2017 Print Share on: FacebookTwitter Show references Singer RJ et al. Vascular malformations of the central nervous system. https://www.uptodate.com/home. Accessed May 10, 2017. Arteriovenous malformations and other vascular lesion. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. https://www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/Patient-Caregiver-Education/Fact-Sheets/Arteriovenous-Malformation-Fact-Sheet. Accessed May 10, 2017. Riggin, EA. Allscripts EPSi. Mayo medical institution, Rochester, Minn. Feb. 17, 2017. Related Products & Services Book: Mayo medical institution Family Health Book, 5th Edition Newsletter: Mayo medical institution Health Letter — Digital Edition Show more products and services from Mayo medical institution Central nervous system vascular malformations Symptoms & causes Doctors & departments Care at Mayo medical institution Advertisement Mayo medical institution does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. Advertising & Sponsorship Policy Opportunities Ad Choices Mayo medical institution Marketplace Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo medical institution. FREE book offer – Mayo medical institution Health Letter The Mayo medical institution Diabetes Diet Mayo medical institution on Digestive Health Mayo medical institution on Healthy Aging NEW – Mayo medical institution Guide to Arthritis CON-20301691 Patient Care & Health Information Diseases & Conditions Central nervous system vascular malformations