Cerebral Arteriovenous Malformation (AVM): Symptoms, Diagnosis Treatment
Cerebral arteriovenous malformation (AVM) is a congenital disorder where arteries and veins in the brain connect abnormally. It’s more common in men than women. Although rare, AVM is dangerous. Many patients are diagnosed only after serious complications like brain hemorrhage occur.
Symptoms of Cerebral AVM
While AVM is present from birth, symptoms often appear after age 15 due to gradual lesion growth. Symptoms vary by lesion size and location and may result from rupture or increased brain pressure:
- Severe headache
- Dizziness, loss of balance
- Nausea, vomiting
- Seizures
- Muscle weakness, numbness
- Drowsiness, confusion
- Vision loss
- Speech difficulty
- Loss of communication ability
- Memory, learning, or behavior issues
Diagnosing Cerebral AVM
Doctors conduct a thorough history and physical exam, followed by diagnostic tests to confirm and plan treatment:
- Cerebral arteriography (dye injection)
- CT scan of the brain
- MRI (magnetic resonance imaging)
- Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA)
- Electroencephalogram (EEG)
Treatment of Cerebral AVM
Treatment depends on lesion size, location, symptoms, age, and comorbidities. In some cases, multiple treatments may be combined:
- Endovascular embolization: A catheter is guided to the lesion, and coils, glue, or balloons are used to block the blood vessels.
- Surgical removal: Suitable for shallow lesions that can be accessed safely.
- Radiation therapy: High-energy radiation shrinks deep, small lesions by scarring the vessels.
