Stanford University Medical Center is in the forefront of treating intercranial and spinal malformations. Stanford has treated more than 2,000 patients with vascular malformations since the 1980s. Stanford offers the unique opportunity for patients to be treated by several disciplines for medical care.

Arteriovenous malformation (AVM) is an abnormal cluster of blood vessels in the brain or spine that can cause devastating neurological symptoms or even death. Normally, blood is carried to the brain through arteries and emptied through veins. Between the arteries and veins are capillaries that help decrease the pressure of the returning blood to the veins and back to the heart. 

Cavernous malformation (CM) is also known as cavernous angioma, cavernous hemangioma and cavernous vascular malformation. This is a type of vascular malformation that occurs in the brain and/or spine. These malformations are made up of fragile arteries and veins that tend to leak small amounts of blood and can cause large brain hemorrhages resulting in permanent neurological deficits if not  treated.

We utilize a unique team approach, made up of specialists in neurology, neurosurgery, radiation therapy and interventional neuroradiology to offer a comprehensive plan of treatment for each individual patient.

We are fortunate to have the most advanced, state-of-the-art equipment that allows us to provide the best treatment using minimally invasive techniques.