Brain AVM
An arteriovenous malformation (AVM) is a tangle of blood vessels in the brain present from a very early age. AVM can disrupt normal blood flow in the brain and cause bleeding.
- Symptoms: Brain AVM often do not cause symptoms until they grow and bleed. They may be discovered incidentally on scans done for other reasons. If a brain AVM bleeds, symptoms can include a sudden and severe headache, neck pain, nausea and vomiting, and loss of consciousness. AVM rupture is very dangerous and can be immediately fatal.
- Diagnosis: Brain AVM are usually diagnosed through a combination of scans, including MRI or CT scans, or a cerebral angiogram (where contrast dye is injected into an artery in the groin and x-rays are taken of the brain).
- Treatment: Treatment options for a brain AVM include observation with regular MRI or CT scans, open surgery to remove the AVM, endovascular treatment (blocking the blood flow to the AVM through an artery in the groin) or radiation therapy such as Gamma Knife surgery to gradually block the arteries. The decision when and how to treat depends on the size and location of the AVM, symptoms and the age and overall health of the patient.
- Prognosis: The prognosis for patients with AVM is most dependent on whether the AVM has bled. The prognosis for patients with brain AVM also varies depending on the size and location of the AVM, as well as the likely effectiveness of the chosen treatment.
It is important to work closely with your healthcare team to develop a comprehensive treatment plan that is tailored to your individual needs and goals. The team will be able to provide you with more detailed information about your specific situation and help you understand what to expect