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AVM
Arteriovenous malformation (AVM) in the brain
What is an AVM?
An arteriovenous malformation (AVM) is a malformation in the vascular system. There is an abnormal connection between an artery and a vein. read moreWhat is an AVM?
What is an AVM?
An arteriovenous malformation (AVM) is a malformation in the vascular system. There is an abnormal connection between an artery and a vein. Normally, an artery supplies oxygen-rich blood under high pressure. The blood flows past the brain cells via capillaries. The oxygen is released there. The oxygen-depleted blood is then drained via small draining capillaries to the large draining veins. These capillaries are missing in an AVM. Instead, there is an abnormal tangle or network of connecting vessels between the artery and the vein. This results in high pressure on the draining vein or veins.Cause and development
The cause of an AVM in the brain is not known. We think that certain people are “predisposed” to developing an AVM even before they are born, and that the AVM develops during their lifetime and often becomes evident between the ages of 20 and 40.How common is an AVM?
An AVM is quite rare. It is not clear how many people have an AVM in the brain. An AVM is diagnosed in one in every 100,000 people annually.Symptoms
Approximately 70% of all AVMs are discovered before a hemorrhage occurs. This discovery is usually made due to symptoms such as an epileptic seizure, temporary speech disturbance or paralysis. We think that this is caused by a lack of oxygen supply to the relevant part of the brain. An AVM can also be discovered by coincidence, if a scan of the head is performed for other reasons.Treatment
An AVM that has not started hemorrhaging does not always require treatment. In certain cases, treatment is not even the best option. Your treating physician will discuss this with you.If the AVM does require treatment, then the aim of the treatment is to completely eliminate the AVM to prevent a hemorrhage or to reduce/stop symptoms.
Examination and diagnosis
If you have an AVM, you will be referred to a neurosurgeon or a neurologist specialized in the vessels of the brain. An examination of the blood vessels (angiogram) is necessary to gain a good understanding of the AVM and how it communicates with the surrounding vessels. read moreExamination and diagnosis
If you have an AVM, you will be referred to a neurosurgeon or a neurologist specialized in the vessels of the brain. An examination of the blood vessels (angiogram) is necessary to gain a good understanding of the AVM and how it communicates with the surrounding vessels.
An MRI of the brain is required for the treatment of the AVM, to determine the location of the AVM and the surrounding brain tissue more accurately.