Arteriovenous Malformation (AVM)
As vascular specialists, we have seen heartbreaking brain damage cases that could have been averted with timely AVM treatment. The preceding is uncommon, happening in 2 % of cases. But the most popular and saddest Arteriovenous Malformation complications include bleeding in the brain and hemorrhagic strokes.
The risk of death following an AVM rupture ranges from 12-67%. A significant fraction of survivors become permanently disabled. If you notice Arteriovenous Malformation (AVM) signs and symptoms, speak to our specialists as soon as possible.
What is Arteriovenous Malformation (AVM)?
In the human body, arteries play an essential role in ferrying blood to and fro between the heart and the brain. At the same time, veins ship blood back and forth between the heart and lungs.
When doctors speak of arteriovenous malformation (AVM), there is a knot in the blood vessels that link arteries to veins. The consequence is a disrupted oxygen flow.
Wherever the locking happens, the neighboring tissues get deprived of oxygen. In many cases, this also ends in the rupture of the knotted blood vessels.
When the AVM happens in the brain and the vessels rupture, the result could be brain damage, stroke, or brain hemorrhage. With modern advancements in treatments, an early diagnosis of AVM leads to a positive outcome.
At Washington Vascular Specialists, we have comprehensive and research-based AVM treatment approaches with proven results in improving patients’ lives.
What Causes AVM?
As of now, science hasn’t yet pinpointed the exact cause of AVM. The entanglement can exist congenitally or can spring up later in life.
AVM Signs and Symptoms
Some of the most popular AVM signs we’ve seen among patients include headaches, nausea, vomiting, seizures, and consciousness loss. Also, watch out for loss of neurological abilities and back pain, among other signs:
AVM Growth Stages
Stage 1: Silence. The AVM is just forming and can easily be reversed with medication.
Stage 2: Expansion. The AVM grows larger and worsens blood flow restriction. Surgery may help.
Stage 3: Destruction. Pain becomes noticeable, and bleeding occurs from the site. Stage 4: Rupture. It leads to brain damage or heart failure.
Anytime AVM is suspected, contact Washington Vascular Specialists. We’ll do a comprehensive diagnosis and recommend the best treatment approaches.
AVM Diagnosis
AVM diagnosis involves reviewing patients’ medical history, and a physical exam focused on the suspected site. Imaging tests follow up to rule out similar illnesses such as capillary malformations. Imaging tests include ultrasound and angiograms, CT scans, and MRIs. The imaging tests show the specific affected areas and nearby bones and nerves to inform safe and effective treatment approaches.
AVM Treatment
AVM treatment is based on the patient’s age and size and location of the affected blood vessels Medication: Depending on the stage, size, and site of the AVM, we prescribe medication to treat symptoms such as pain and seizures.
Surgical removal: If the AVM is in a safe, accessible site, surgical removal can be done. The surgeon closes off the AVM with clips and meticulously removes it from surrounding tissue.
Endovascular embolization: The surgeon inserts a catheter through an artery to the AVM. Through this tube, they inject an embolizing agent to reduce blood flow to the AVM so it doesn’t enlarge.
Stereotactic radiosurgery: Laser-focused beams of radiation are used to destroy the abnormal blood vessels and block blood flow to the AVM.
At Washington Vascular Specialists, we stay on the cutting edge of medical innovations to provide accurate and effective care and treatment for patients with Arteriovenous Malformation (AVM). Book an appointment for personalized AVM care and treatment.
