Common Causes And Complications Of A Port Wine Stain

Sturge-Weber Syndrome

A port-wine stain is one of the major clinical features associated with Sturge-Weber syndrome, a rare medical condition that causes changes in the development of specific blood vessels. In patients with Sturge-Weber syndrome, the port-wine stain is typically on the forehead, temple, or eyelid. Individuals with the condition may also have glaucoma (increased eye pressure) and leptomeningeal angioma, an abnormality in the blood vessels in the tissues that cover the brain and spinal cord. Leptomeningeal angioma can cause a decrease in blood flow to the affected area, and patients may experience symptoms that resemble a stroke, including temporary vision loss and weakness on one side of the body. Focal seizures could also occur. Patients with this condition may have normal cognitive abilities; however, some patients could have learning difficulties that vary in severity. Genetic testing is used to diagnose this syndrome.

Get more details on the causes and complications of a port-wine stain now.