In a newborn, a vein of Galen malformation may produce symptoms of congestive heart failure:
- Respiratory distress, or fast breathing
- Cyanosis, or “blue baby” syndrome
Newborns may also show signs of hydrocephalus:
- Macrocephaly, or an unusually large head
- Prominent veins on the scalp
- “Sunset eyes,” meaning the eyes are cast downward and the whites are visible above the eyeball
Older infants may also show signs of hydrocephalus or may experience developmental delays.
In early childhood, symptoms include:
- Headache
- Convulsive seizures
- Hydrocephalus
- Heart failure
- Developmental delays
An accurate diagnosis is critical in order to begin treatment as early as possible. A vein of Galen malformation is an extremely serious condition that is best diagnosed and treated by highly trained experts at major medical institutions. (See Diagnosing and Treating a Vein of Galen Malformation.)
Our Care Team
- Chairman and Neurosurgeon-in-Chief
- Margaret and Robert J. Hariri, MD ’87, PhD ’87 Professor of Neurological Surgery
- Vice Provost of Business Affairs and Integration
Phone: 212-746-4684
- Vice Chairman, Neurological Surgery
- Director, Pediatric Neurological Surgery
Phone: 212-746-2363
- Assistant Professor of Radiology in Neurological Surgery (Manhattan and Queens)
Phone: 212-746-2821 (Manhattan) or 718-303-3739 (Queens)
- Professor of Radiology in Neurological Surgery
Phone: 212-746-4998
- Vice Chairman for Academic Affairs
- Professor of Neurological Surgery, Pediatric Neurosurgery
- Associate Residency Director
Phone: 212-746-2363
- Director of Cerebrovascular Surgery and Interventional Neuroradiology
- Assistant Professor of Neurological Surgery
- Fellowship Director, Endovascular Neurosurgery
Phone: 212-746-5149
- Assistant Professor of Neurological Surgery (Brooklyn and Manhattan)
Phone: 212-746-2821 (Manhattan); 718-780-3070 (Brooklyn)
Reviewed by: Srikanth Boddu, MD, MSc
Last reviewed/updated: October 2020