Management of Intracranial Vascular Lesions During Pregnancy

Management of cerebral vascular lesions in pregnancy requires special consideration to an altered natural history in the pregnant patient, such as a higher rupture rate of arteriovenous malformations. Additionally, treatment challenges exist including radiation exposure, medication selection, optimal treatment timing, and modalities. If identified prior to a pregnancy most vascular lesions warrant a definitive treatment discussion to circumvent the risks associated with an intracranial hemorrhage during pregnancy. The treatment team consists of a multidisciplinary approach involving neurosurgeons, anesthesiologists, neurointensivists, and obstetricians.