What is Arteriovenous Malformation?
Arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) are defects of the circulatory system that are generally believed to arise during embryonic or foetal development or soon after birth. Although AVMs can develop in many different sites, those located in the brain or spinal cord can have especially widespread effects on the body. Most people with neurological AVMs experience few, if any significant symptoms. The malformations tend to be discovered only incidentally, usually either at autopsy or during treatment for an unrelated disorder. But for about 12 percent of the affected population , these abnormalities cause symptoms that vary greatly in severity.
Is there any treatment?
Medication can often alleviate general symptoms such as headache, back pain, and seizures caused by AVMs and other vascular lesions. However, the definite treatment for AVMs is either surgery or focused irradiation therapy. The decision to perform surgery on any individual with an AVM requires a careful consideration of possible benefits versus risks.
What is the prognosis?
The greatest potential danger posted by AVMs is haemorrhage. Researchers believe that each year between 2 and 4 percent of all AVMs haemorrhage. Most episodes of bleeding remain undetected at the time they occur because they are not severe enough to cause significant neurological damage. But massive, even fatal, bleeding episodes do occur. Whenever an AVM is detected, the individual should be carefully and consistently monitored for any signs of instability that may indicate an increased risk of haemorrhage.
