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Symptoms & Causes

Arteriovenous Malformation Symptoms

Symptoms of arteriovenous malformation (AVM) vary based on where it is located. Usually, the first signs and symptoms appear after bleeding happens. Besides bleeding, signs and symptoms could include:

  • The progressive loss of neurological function

  • Headaches

  • Nausea and vomiting

  • Seizures

  • Loss of consciousness


Other possible signs and symptoms may include:

  • Weak muscles

  • Paralysis in one part of the body

  • Loss of coordination that could cause problems with gait

  • Issues performing tasks that need planning

  • Weakness in the lower extremities

  • Back pain

  • Dizziness

  • Vision issues, including losing part of your field of vision, loss of control of eye movements, or inflammation of part of the optic nerve

  • Issues with speech or understanding language

  • Unusual sensations including numbness, tingling, or unexpected pain

  • Memory loss or dementia

  • Hallucinations

  • Confusion


Children and teens might have trouble with learning or behavior.

One type of arteriovenous malformation (AVM) known as a vein of Galen defect causes symptoms that appear at or shortly after birth. A vein of Galen defect is situated deep inside the brain. Signs could include:

  • A build-up of fluid in the brain or hydrocephalus that causes enlargement of the head

  • Inflamed veins on the scalp

  • Seizures

  • Failure to thrive

  • Congestive heart failure

When should you see a doctor?

Look for medical attention if you have any of the signs and symptoms of an arteriovenous malformation (AVM), for example, headaches, dizziness, vision problems, seizures, and changes in thinking or neurological function. Many arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) are currently discovered incidentally, usually after a computed tomography (CT) scan or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is obtained for reasons not directly associated with the arteriovenous malformation (AVM).

Arteriovenous Malformation Causes

Arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) result from the development of unusual direct connections between arteries and veins, but experts do not understand why this happens. Specific genetic changes might play a role, but most types are not generally inherited.

Risk factors

Rarely, having a family history of arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) could increase your risk. But most types of arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) are not inherited. Specific hereditary conditions might increase your risk of arteriovenous malformation (AVM). These include hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT), also known as Osler-Weber-Rendu syndrome.

Deep Vein Thrombosis Causes

Arteriovenous Malformation Complications

The most frequent complications of an arteriovenous malformation (AVM) are bleeding and seizures. If left untreated, the bleeding could cause significant neurological damage and be fatal.

Arteriovenous Malformation Diagnosis

To diagnose an arteriovenous malformation (AVM), your primary care physician will review your symptoms and perform a physical exam.

He or she might listen for a sound known as a bruit. Bruit is a whooshing sound caused by very quick blood flow through the arteries and veins of an arteriovenous malformation (AVM). It sounds like water forced through a narrow pipe. Bruit might interfere with hearing or sleep or cause emotional distress.

Tests frequently used to help diagnose AVM include:

  • Cerebral angiography - Also known as arteriography, this test uses a special dye known as a contrast agent administered into an artery. The dye highlights the framework of blood vessels to better show them on X-rays.

  • Computerized tomography (CT) - Computerized tomography (CT) scans use X-rays to create images of the head, brain, or spinal cord and could help show bleeding.

  • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) - A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) uses powerful magnets and radio waves to show detailed pictures of the tissues. A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) could pick up on small changes in these tissues.

  • Magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) - A magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) captures the pattern and the speed and distance of blood flow through the vascular abnormalities.


Arteriovenous Malformation Treatment

Treatment for arteriovenous malformation (AVM) depends on where the abnormality is found, your signs and symptoms and your overall health, and the risk of treatment. Sometimes, an arteriovenous malformation (AVM) is monitored with regular imaging tests to watch for changes or problems. Other arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) need treatment. Determining whether an arteriovenous malformation (AVM) requires treatment involves factors including whether the arteriovenous malformation (AVM):

  • Has bled

  • Is causing symptoms other than bleeding

  • Is it a part of the brain that treatment could be safely given

Medications

Medications could help manage symptoms like seizures, headaches, and back pain.

Arteriovenous Malformation Surgery

The main treatment for arteriovenous malformation (AVM) is surgery. Your primary care physician may suggest surgery if you are at a high risk of bleeding. The surgery may completely remove the arteriovenous malformation (AVM). This treatment is generally used when the arteriovenous malformation (AVM) is in a region where surgeons could remove the arteriovenous malformation (AVM) with little risk of causing significant damage to the brain tissues.

Endovascular embolization is a kind of surgery in which the surgeon threads a catheter through the arteries to the arteriovenous malformation (AVM). Then a substance is administered to close parts of the arteriovenous malformation (AVM) to lower the blood flow. This may also be done before brain surgery or radiosurgery to help lower the risk of complications.

Sometimes stereotactic radiosurgery is used to treat arteriovenous malformations (AVMs). This uses intense, highly focused beams of radiation to damage the blood vessels and prevent the blood supply to the arteriovenous malformation (AVM).

You and your primary care physicians will discuss whether to treat your arteriovenous malformation (AVM), weighing the possible benefits against the risks.

Follow-up

After treatment for an arteriovenous malformation (AVM), you may require regular follow-up visits with your primary care physician. You may require more imaging tests to make sure that the arteriovenous malformation (AVM) is resolved and that the malformation has not recurred. You will also require regular imaging tests and follow-up visits with your primary care physician if your arteriovenous malformation (AVM) is being monitored.


If you or anyone you know suffers from an arteriovenous malformation (AVM), the best option for you is treatment by Dr. Ahsan Ali. Call us at 469-808-0000 to book an appointment