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Arteriovenous Malformations of the Central Nervous System

Authors:
  • Cynthia M. Johnson, MA
Publication Type:

Condition

Arteriovenous Malformations of the Central Nervous System

(AVM; Arteriovenous Malformations of the Brain; Arteriovenous Malformations of the Spinal Cord)

Definition

Arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) are abnormal tangles of blood vessels. They can be found anywhere in the body. AVMs of the brain and spinal cord are the most serious.

Arteriovenous Malformation in the Brain.

Copyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.

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Causes

Why AVMs form is not known.

Risk Factors

Things that may raise the risk of AVMs are:

  • A family history of AVMs
  • Prior head injury
  • Prior surgery or radiation therapy

Symptoms

Not all people have symptoms. Symptoms may vary in those who do. It depends on the size and location of the AVM. A person may have:

  • Headaches
  • Loss of movement on one side of the body or weakness
  • Sudden, severe back pain
  • Problems with certain movements, such as walking
  • Speaking problems
  • Vision problems
  • Memory loss, confusion, or problems thinking
  • Shaking that they cannot control

Diagnosis

The doctor will ask about symptoms and health history. A physical exam may be done.

Images may be taken. This can be done with:

AVMs that do not cause symptoms may be found during testing for another health problem.

Treatment

The goal of treatment is to prevent bleeding and to remove the AVM.

Care depends on if the AVM has ruptured or not. Sometimes, more than 1 method is used. Care may be given in a hospital.

Prevention

AVMs cannot be prevented.

Medicines

Medicines may be given to manage an AVM that has not ruptured. They may also be given to ease:

  • Pain
  • High blood pressure
  • Blood clots
  • Seizures
  • Pressure inside the skull

Medicines

Medicines may be given to manage an AVM that has not ruptured. They may also be given to ease:

  • Pain
  • High blood pressure
  • Blood clots
  • Seizures
  • Pressure inside the skull

Surgery

If the AVM has ruptured, surgery may be delayed for 2 to 6 weeks. The type of surgery depends on the size and site of the AVM. Options are:

  • Microsurgery—An operation to remove the AVM. A special microscope will help the surgeon see the area.
  • Embolization—A tube is inserted through the skin. It is passed through arteries until it reaches the AVM. A substance is passed to the area to block off blood flow to the AVM.
  • Radiosurgery—A beam of radiation is focused on the AVM. It destroys the blood vessel walls leading to the AVM. This will block off blood flow to the AVM.
RESOURCES:

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

References

  • Arteriovenous malformation. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke website. Available at: https://www.ninds.nih.gov/health-information/dosprders/arteriovenous-malformation#disorders-r1.
  • Intracerebral hemorrhage. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/intracerebral-hemorrhage.
  • Seizure in adults. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/seizure-in-adults.
  • Spinal cord arteriovenous malformations (AVMs). Merck Manual Professional Version website. Available at: https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/neurologic-disorders/spinal-cord-disorders/spinal-cord-arteriovenous-malformations-avms.
  • Vascular malformations in the brain. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/vascular-malformations-in-the-brain.
  • What is an arteriovenous malformation. American Stroke Association website. Available at: https://www.stroke.org/en/about-stroke/types-of-stroke/hemorrhagic-strokes-bleeds/what-is-an-arteriovenous-malformation.

Contributors

  • Rimas Lukas, MD
Last Updated:
2022-08-01

(C) Copyright 2022 EBSCO Information Services

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.