Details of Arteriovenous Malformations

Arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) are defects in the blood vessels of the circulatory system. These are abnormal tangles of blood vessels connecting arteries and veins which disrupt blood and oxygen circulation in a normal manner. If this process gets disturbed, the surrounding tissues may lack oxygen, and the diseased arteries and veins can weaken and rupture. Which may lead to hemorrhage, stroke, brain damage.

May include:

• Seizures
• Unconsciousness
• Nausea
• Bleeding 
• Neurological dysfunction
• Weak muscles 
• Paralysis 
• Back pain
• Dizziness 
• Confusion

May include:

• Growth of abnormal direct connection
• Genetic history

Tests generally performed for this diagnosis.

• Cerebral angiography / arteriography
• Computerized tomography (CT)
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
• Magnetic resonance angiography (MRA)
• Transcranial Doppler ultrasound

Surgical treatment.

Endovascular embolization: In this surgery, the surgeon threads a a catheter through the arteries to the AVM. Now a substance is given to create an artificial blood clot in AVM to to temporarily reduce the blood flow. the surgeon removes the Arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) without any significant damage to the brain tissues.

Stereotactic radiosurgery: It is used for small AVM that has not yet burst. In this, high beams of radiation are used to damage the blood vessels and prevent the blood supply to the AVM.

May include:

• Bleeding
• Neurological damage
• Hemorrhagic telangiectasia