Questions posted in the Neurology and Neurosurgery Forum have been answered by doctors from The Cleveland Clinic Foundation.

Subject: Re: NF and cerebral vascular abnormalities??
Forum: The Neurology and Neurosurgery Forum
Topic Area: Neurofibromatosis
Posted by CCF Neurology W6 MD on October 05, 1998 at 01:13:00:
In Reply to: NF and cerebral vascular abnormalities?? posted by ruth on October 05, 1998 at 00:29:04:



Our daughter has NF-1 and is being evaluated for very frequent headaches. Her brain MRI is normal. We have read that there can be cerebral vascular abnormalities associated with NF-1. We are trying to get some more info on this. She will be seeing the doc again soon. Most of her doctors here are quite unfamiliar with NF-1 and we have had to "provide" a lot of info in the past in our experience with her health care concerning her NF. Any info you have on this would be appreciated-- ie- tests ect?? would a MR angiogram to look at the cerebral arteries be a good test to have done ? Thanks so much for your time!!



Dear Ruth,
first of all you should bring your daughter to a neurologist/ped neurologist who is familiar with NF1.
As you know NF 1 affects the brain in 15-20% of patients.
THe vascular abnormalities that are associated with NF 1 include
(involvement of the cerebral vessels are rare though)

1. Progressive cerebral artery occlbusion which may lead to stroke.
This is best studied using cerebral angiography (the definitive test) or the non invasive MRAngiogram.
2. Aneurysm
3. Vascular ectasia/tortuous vessel
4. Arteriovenous fistula or malformation
As in number 1, for 2-4 the definitive study is cerebral angio.
This procedure is not without risk, so you should consult with your doctor and weigh the risk and benefit of the procedure. Of course there is MRA that is non invasive and will probably catch most, but not all, vascular abnormalities noted above.

Good luck to you and your daughter.


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