General Information About AVM Disease
Disease Details and Frequently Asked Questions
It is a congenital vascular tangle where arteries carrying oxygen-rich blood and veins collecting deoxygenated blood mix directly with each other without the capillaries, which should act as a filter between them.
Capillaries lower the blood pressure. Without this network, the high-pressure blood from the artery directly hits the thin-walled vein. This condition dilates and weakens the vessel walls, leading to tearing and potentially fatal internal bleeding (brain hemorrhage).
Many AVMs remain silent until they rupture. However, those in the brain can present with severe and localized headaches, epileptic seizures, numbness on one side of the body, loss of strength, or visual disturbances.
Yes, it is generally a congenital anomaly that occurs due to the flawed formation of blood vessels during fetal development in the womb. Genetic transmission is rare.
It is suspected upon taking a Brain Computed Tomography (CT) or MRI due to neurological symptoms. A Cerebral Angiography procedure is essential to accurately map the structure and size of the vascular tangle.
AVMs with a high risk of bleeding must be treated. Options include removing the tangle with open surgery (Microsurgery), blocking the tangle with special substances by entering through the groin (Endovascular Embolization), or drying up the vessels with high-dose radiation (Radiosurgery).
Our health library contents are prepared for informational purposes only and with scientific data available at the time of recording. For all your questions, concerns, diagnosis, or treatment regarding your health, please consult your doctor or a healthcare institution.
