Arteriovenous Malformation Information Page
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What is Arteriovenous Malformation?
Is there any treatment?
What is the prognosis?
What is Arteriovenous Malformation?
An arteriovenous malformation (AVM) is a congenital disorder characterized by a complex, tangled web of arteries and veins. An AVM may occur in the brain, brainstem, or spinal cord and is caused by abnormal development of blood vessels. The most common symptoms of AVM include hemorrhaging (bleeding), seizures, headaches, and neurological problems such as paralysis or loss of speech, memory, or vision.
Is there any treatment?
There are three general forms of treatment for AVM: surgery; embolization, which involves closing off the vessels of the AVM by injecting glue into them (embolization is often used before surgery); and radiosurgery, which involves focusing radiation on the AVM.
What is the prognosis?
AVMs that hemorrhage can lead to serious neurological problems, and sometimes death. However, some people have AVMs that never cause problems.
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