Spinal Vascular Malformations

Spinal vascular malformations involve 3 main types: Arteriovenous Malformation (AVM), Cavernous Malformation, Dural-Arteriovenous Fistula (dAVF)

Normally, blood flows smoothly from arteries to capillaries to veins but in these conditions, blood vessels can be tangled, abnormal, or connected in the wrong way and can disrupt normal blood flow.

When the blood flow is disrupted, it can cause symptoms because of swelling or slow intermittent bleeding or sudden rupture and bleeding.

Symptoms can include the following:

  • Weakness

  • Numbness or burning

  • Back pain

  • Trouble walking or imbalance

  • Bowel/bladder issues

Treatments

Microsurgery:
The vascular malformation is resected through precise surgical techniques, or the abnormal connection is disconnected.

Endovascular Embolization:
A minimally invasive procedure where a catheter is used to block blood flow to the AVM or dAVF.

Meet Dr. Lee

Dr. Michaela Lee is a fellowship-trained neurosurgeon with expertise in complex spine and cerebrovascular surgery. She completed her residency and an enfolded complex spine fellowship at The George Washington University Medical Center, followed by advanced training in cerebrovascular and skull base surgery at Barrow Neurological Institute under Dr. Peter Nakaji.

After helping establish an academic neurosurgery department with Dr. Nakaji, she continues their partnership at Scottsdale Neurosurgery Specialists, where she is dedicated to delivering exceptional, patient-focused spinal care.

🔗 Links:
• Learn More About Dr. Lee → Click Here