AVM is an abnormal tangle of blood vessels within the brain. Over time, the pressure of the AVM can build up, prevent normal blood flow to the brain and even burst. While most people are born with AVM, patients may not realize they have this condition until a problem occurs.
AVM Symptoms and Warning Signs:
- Severe Headaches
- Blurred or double vision
- Seizures or jerking movements
Treatment
- Surgical Resection removes the tangled blood vessels, which allows the blood to be redirected to normal blood vessels, preventing the AVM from bursting and leaking blood.
- Radiosurgery directs radiation at the AVM to close off the abnormal blood vessels so blood can no longer flow through them.
- Embolization inserts glue into the AVM through a thin tube called a catheter. This breaks apart the AVM and holds the blood vessels in a new location. Embolization may occur in isolation or as part of the surgical procedure.
