Arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) are a birth defect that can cause blood to flow directly into veins without reaching brain tissue, potentially leading to bleeding and other complications. The causes and risk factors are unclear, and most small AVMs cause no health problems. Treatment options include preventative surgery or endovascular embolization, while emergency surgery is necessary for a ruptured AVM. Prognosis depends on the extent of damage sustained.
An arteriovenous malformation (AVM) is a birth defect of blood vessels that changes the way blood circulates through a particular area of the brain. Arteries and veins that do not develop properly form a clump that prevents blood from flowing to nearby tissues. A brain AVM typically forms early in fetal development, although doctors aren’t sure of the exact causes. An AVM doesn’t cause any noticeable symptoms in most cases, although it could potentially rupture if blood pressure gets too high, which can lead to extensive bleeding and related complications. A ruptured brain AVM is a medical emergency that requires surgical drainage and repair to prevent a life-threatening situation.
Arteries normally carry blood from the heart to hundreds of tiny capillaries in the brain, which in turn feed the brain tissue. The used blood is then drained through the veins and redirected back to the heart so it can be re-oxygenated. In the case of a brain AVM, the arteries and veins are packed together, causing blood to flow directly into the veins without reaching the brain tissue. A brain AVM is usually small enough for most of the blood flow to pass properly through the brain.
Researchers have been unable to identify clear causes or risk factors for developing brain AVM. There does not appear to be a genetic component, as the problem only rarely runs in families. Environmental factors, such as the mother’s diet, medication use or lifestyle activities, have also not been linked to the condition.
Most small brain AVMs cause no health problems. It is possible, however, for a child or young adult to experience frequent migraines or seizures that are later linked to AVMs. A small number of older people who have undiagnosed and undiagnosed malformations also develop rapidly declining vision, memory, and concentration skills. Bleeding is the main concern with a brain AVM, which can lead to a debilitating headache, vision loss, numbness, and trouble speaking and breathing.
A brain AVM may not be diagnosed until discovered during testing for other problems, such as seizure disorders. If imaging scans reveal a small AVM, a neurologist may decide to do preventative surgery. A small piece of the skull is removed during surgery and the AVM is removed with a laser device. Another option that is becoming more popular is called endovascular embolization, which involves administering a type of glue to the AVM to seal it and prevent blood flow.
Emergency surgery is essential in the treatment of a ruptured brain AVM. While the patient is given life-sustaining oxygen and cardiac stabilizing therapy, the AVM is quickly removed and excess blood is drained with a vacuum tube. The prognosis after surgery depends on the extent of the damage sustained, but many patients are able to make a full recovery with further surgery and physical therapy.
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