Arteriovenous Malformation
A brain AVM (arteriovenous malformation) is an abnormal connection between arteries and veins bypassing capillaries.
Symptoms
Headache, seizure, brain hemorrhage, weakness, visual loss, impaired speech.
About this Condition
A brain AVM (arteriovenous malformation) is an abnormal connection between arteries and veins bypassing capillaries. An AVM is typically congenital, meaning it dates to birth. An AVM can develop anywhere in your body but occurs most often in the brain or spine. A brain AVM, which appears as a tangle of abnormal arteries and veins, can occur in any part of your brain. The cause isn't clear.
You may not know you have a brain AVM until you experience symptoms, such as headaches or a seizure. In serious cases, the blood vessels rupture, causing bleeding in the brain (hemorrhage). Once diagnosed, a brain AVM can often be treated successfully.
[Source: Mayo Clinic]
This content is for your general education only. See your doctor for a professional diagnosis and to discuss an appropriate treatment plan.
Surgery
AVM Resection
A cerebral arteriovenous malformation is often difficult to treat and may require many different specialists. The goal in treating a cerebral AVM is to cut off the blood supply to the AVM. AVM resection is an open surgical procedure whereby the surgeon creates an opening in the skull to allow for full visualization of the AVM. Once the skull is opened, the surgeon identifies the margins of the AVM and then clips the arterial vessels that feed it. The surgeon will remove or destroy the veins that drain the AVM and also the nidus (the direct connection of the arteries and veins). Endovascular embolization or radiosurgery may also be used in certain cases.
Please keep in mind that all treatments and outcomes are specific to the individual patient. Results may vary. Complications, such as infection, blood loss, and bowel or bladder problems are some of the potential adverse risks of surgery. Please consult your physician for a complete list of indications, warnings, precautions, adverse events, clinical results and other important medical information.