Brain arteriovenous malformation (AVM)
About Brain arteriovenous malformation (AVM)
An abnormal connection between the arteries and veins. Generally these develop before birth. Most cause no symptoms unless they enlarge or bleed. AVMs can occur anywhere in the body. AVMs in the brain can cause headaches and seizures.Symptoms
Symptoms that may occur with an AVM that has not bled include: Headaches, progressive weakness and/or numbness on one side of the body, seizures, pulsatile buzzing sound in the head. Symptoms from bleeding include: sudden severe headache, sudden weakness, confusion, coma.Tests & Diagnostics
A history and physical exam will be performed. Tests that may be used to diagnose an AVM include: cerebral angiogram, brain MRI, head CT scan, CT angiogram (CTA), and/or magnetic resonance angiography (MRA).Common tests: Complete blood count (CBC), CT Scan, MRI.
Conventional treatment summary
A bleeding AVM is an emergency and requires immediate treatment. Therapy is aimed at stopping the bleeding and to control the seizures. Treatment may include breathing tube insertion, anti-seizure medications, and sedation. Surgery and/or endovascular embolization may be performed to stop the bleeding. Radiation therapy is also an option. A combination of therapies may be chosen.Medical specialties
Neurosurgery · Pediatric Neurosurgery
This page is educational content, not medical advice. Always consult a qualified clinician for diagnosis and treatment of Brain arteriovenous malformation (AVM).