Arteriovenous malformations

Diagnosis

To diagnose an AVM, the doctor will be reviewing the patient’s history, perform a physical examination and several investigation to confirm an AVM.

AVM is frequently diagnosed using the following procedures:

• Cerebral angiography: This procedure, also known as an arteriography, involves injecting a contrast agent, a particular dye, into an artery. To make blood vessels more visible on X-rays, the dye enhances their structural details.
• Computerized tomography (CT): X-rays are used in CT scans to produce a more detailed images of the head, brain, or spinal cord that can help identify bleeding.
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): A strong magnet and radio waves are used in an MRI to provide precise images of the tissues. Small changes in these tissues can be seen by an MRI.
• Magnetic resonance angiography (MRA): Is a type of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan that uses to evaluate blood vessels and blood flow within the body.
• Doppler transcranial ultrasound: determines the rate of blood flow via your brain using sound waves.

Treatment

AVM treatment is based on the location of the abnormality, risk of AVM rupturing, your symptoms and general health. An AVM is occasionally checked for changes or problems using routine imaging procedures. An AVM’s requirement for therapy is determined by a number of variable factors, including:

• Bleeding
• Producing other symptoms besides bleeding
• Is located in a region of the brain that can be safely treated.

Medications

Medication can help with symptoms like back pain, headaches, and seizures.

Surgery

Surgery is the primary option of AVM treatment. If the risk of bleeding is high, the specialist might advise surgery. The AVM could be entirely eliminated through surgery. Surgical treatment is typically performed when an AVM is located in a location where removal by surgery can be accomplished with low risk of affecting healthy brain tissues.

• Endovascular embolization: is a type of surgery where specialist inserts a catheter into the arteries and then operates on the AVM. In order to restrict blood flow, a substance is injected to seal off portions of the AVM. To lessen the chance of complications, this could potentially be done prior to radiosurgery or brain surgery.
• Stereotactic radiosurgery: This method makes an AVM easier to be cured by using highly focused radiation beams that gradually shrink, scar, and constricting the blood flow to the AVM.