Description

An arteriovenous malformation, also known as an AVM is a tangle of blood vessels that creates irregular connections between arteries and veins. This interrupts the flow of blood and prevents the tissues of oxygen. An AVM may occur in any part of the body, including the brain.

Arteries move oxygen-rich blood from the heart to the brain and other organs. The veins drain the oxygen from the blood to the lungs and the heart. When an AVM disrupts this critical process, surrounding tissues may not get enough oxygen.

Because the tangled blood vessels in an AVM do not form properly, may weaken and burst. If an AVM in the brain bursts, it can cause bleeding in the brain, which can lead to a stroke or brain damage. Bleeding in the brain that is known as a hemorrhage.

Read more about brain AVM (arteriovenous malformation) .

The cause of avms is not clear. Rarely, are transmitted in families.

Once diagnosed, a brain AVM can often be treated to prevent or reduce the risk of complications.

Symptoms

The symptoms of an arteriovenous malformation, also known as an AVM, may vary. Sometimes an AVM does not cause symptoms. The AVM can be found, while the imaging for other health concern.

Often, the first symptoms appear after the bleeding occurs. In addition to the bleeding, the symptoms may include:

  • Problems with the thinking that gets worse over time.
  • Headaches.
  • Nausea and vomiting.
  • Seizures.
  • The loss of consciousness.

Other possible symptoms include:

  • The weakness of the muscles, such as weakness in the legs.
  • The loss of movement and sensation in one part of the body, known as paralysis.
  • Loss of coordination, which can cause difficulty in walking.
  • Problems to perform tasks that require planning.
  • Back pain.
  • The dizziness.
  • Vision problems. This may include the loss of part of the field of vision, difficulty moving the eyes, or swelling of part of the optic nerve.
  • Problems with speech or language comprehension.
  • Numbness, tingling, or sudden pain.
  • The memory loss or dementia.
  • See or hear things that do not exist, known as hallucinations.
  • Confusion.

Children and adolescents can have problems with learning or behavior.

A type of AVM called a vein of Galen malformation of the causes of the symptoms that appear at birth or shortly after. A vein of Galen malformation occurs in the interior of the brain. The signs may include:

  • A buildup of fluid in the brain that causes the head to be larger than usual.
  • Swollen veins in the scalp.
  • Seizures.
  • Failure to thrive.
  • Congestive heart failure.

When to see a doctor

Seek medical attention if you have any of the symptoms of an AVM , such as headaches, dizziness, vision problems, seizures, and changes in thinking. Many Avms are found during the test of a different condition, such as, for example, during a ct scan or an mri .

Causes

An arteriovenous malformation (avm) occurs when the arteries and veins connected in an irregular way. The experts do not understand why this happens. Certain genetic changes may play a role, but most of the types are generally not hereditary.

Risk factors

Rarely, have a family history of arteriovenous malformations may increase your risk. But most of the types are not inherited.

Certain inherited conditions can increase your risk of an arteriovenous malformation. These include hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia, also known as Osler-Weber-Rendu syndrome.

Complications

The most common complications of arteriovenous malformations are bleeding and seizures. The bleeding may cause damage to the brain and can cause death if not treated.

Diagnosis

To diagnose an arteriovenous malformation, also known as an AVM, your health care professional of the comments of your symptoms, and gives a physical examination.

Your health care provider may hear a sound called a bruit. A murmur is a whooshing sound caused by blood flowing rapidly through the arteries and veins of an AVM . Sounds like water running through a narrow tube. A murmur may interfere with your hearing or sleep or cause emotional distress.

The tests commonly used to help diagnose AVMS are:

  • Cerebral angiography. This test looks for an AVM in the brain. Also called arteriography, this test uses a special dye called a contrast agent is injected into an artery. The dye highlights the blood vessels for better display of them in the x-rays.
  • CTscan. These tests can help to show the bleeding. The CT scan uses X-rays to create pictures of the head, the brain or the spinal cord.
  • CTangiography. This test combines a ct scan with an injection of a contrast medium to help to find an AVM that is bleeding.
  • The magnetic resonance imaging. An mri uses powerful magnets and radio waves to show detailed pictures of tissues. An mri can pick up on small changes in these tissues.
  • The magnetic resonance angiography, also known as MRA. MRA capture the pattern and the speed and distance of flow of blood through the irregular vessels.
  • The ultrasound transcranial doppler. This test can help diagnose an AVM and know if the AVM is bleeding. The test uses high-frequency sound waves target the arteries to create an image of the blood flow and its speed.

Treatment

Treatment of arteriovenous malformations, also known as an AVM, depend on where you are, their symptoms, and risks of the treatment. Sometimes an AVM is performed regular follow-up imaging tests to observe the changes. Other arteriovenous malformations require treatment. Your health care professional may recommend conservative treatment if the AVM has not broken out and are not at high risk of AVM bleeding.

When deciding if the treatment of arteriovenous malformations, the health care professionals consider:

  • If the AVM has bled.
  • If the DEFECT is the cause of the other symptoms of bleeding.
  • If the AVM is a part of the brain, where it can be treated.
  • Other features of the AVM , such as its size.

Medications

Medications can help control the symptoms associated with an arteriovenous malformation, such as seizures, headaches, and back pain.

Surgery

The main treatment of an AVM is surgery. The surgery can completely remove the arteriovenous malformation. This treatment may be recommended if there is a high risk of bleeding. The surgery is usually an option if the AVM is in an area where the extraction has little risk of causing damage to the brain tissue.

Endovascular embolization is a type of surgery that involves inserting a catheter through the arteries of the arteriovenous malformation. Then, a substance that is injected to close parts of the MALFORMATION to reduce the flow of blood. This could be done before the brain surgery or radiosurgery to help reduce the risk of complications.

Sometimes stereotactic radiosurgery is used for the treatment of an AVM . The treatment uses intense, highly focused beam of radiation to the damage of the blood vessels. This helps to stop the blood supply to the AVM .

You and your healthcare team to discuss if for the treatment of the AVM , weigh the possible benefits against the risks.

Follow-up

After treatment of an arteriovenous malformation (avm), you may need regular follow-up visits with your health care team. You may also need more imaging tests to make sure that the AVM has been treated successfully, and that the malformation has not returned. You'll also need regular imaging tests and follow-up visits with your health care team if your AVM is being monitored.

Coping and support

The learning that takes an arteriovenous malformation may be related. But you can take measures to deal with the emotions that can come with your diagnosis and recovery, such as:

  • Learn about the arteriovenous malformation, also known as arteriovenous malformations. This can help you make informed decisions about your care. Ask about the size and location of the AVM , and what that means for your treatment options.
  • Accept your emotions. Complications of the AVM , such as hemorrhage and stroke, which can affect you emotionally.
  • Keep friends and family close. Friends and family can provide the practical support you need. Ask the people who are close if they can come to appointments with you. Lean on your friends and family for emotional support.
  • Talk about how you feel. Talking with a friend, family member, counselor, social worker, or a member of the clergy can help. You can also find consolation in a support group. Ask your health care team about support groups in your area. Or come up with a national organization, such as the American stroke Association or The Aneurysm and AVM Foundation.

Preparing for your appointment

An arteriovenous malformation, also known as an AVM, could be diagnosed in an emergency situation. Some Avms are diagnosed right after hemorrhage, known as a hemorrhage or a seizure. An AVM may also be found after other symptoms symbol of the system of imaging exams.

But sometimes an AVM is found during tests for another condition. It could then be referred to a doctor trained in brain and nervous system, as a neurologist, interventional neuroradiologist or neurosurgeon.

Here are some things you can do to prepare for your appointment.

What you can do

  • Be aware of pre-appointment restrictions. When you make the appointment, ask if there is something that you need to do beforehand.
  • Write down your symptoms, including those that do not seem to be related to the reason for which you scheduled the appointment.
  • Make a list of all the medicines, vitamins, and supplements you are taking, including dosage.
  • Ask a family member or friend to come with you, if possible. Someone else can help you remember the information they give you.
  • Write questions to ask. Don't be afraid to ask questions that may arise during your appointment.

For AVM , some basic questions to ask include:

  • What are other possible causes of the symptoms?
  • What are the tests needed to confirm the diagnosis?
  • What are my treatment options and the pros and cons of each one?
  • What results can I expect?
  • What type of follow-up should I expect?

What to expect from your doctor

Your neurologist will likely be asked about your symptoms, if any. Your neurologist may also do a physical exam and schedule of tests to confirm the diagnosis.

Tests of collecting information on the size and location of the MALFORMATION to help direct your treatment options. You may ask:

  • When did your symptoms begin?
  • The symptoms been continuous or occasional?
  • How severe are the symptoms?
  • What, if anything, seems to improve your symptoms?
  • What, if anything, appears to worsen your symptoms?
Symptoms and treatment of the Arteriovenous malformation