Brain AVM (arteriovenous malformation)

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Definition

By Mayo Clinic staff

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Image of a brain AVM Brain AVM

A brain AVM (arteriovenous malformation) is an abnormal connection between arteries and veins that interrupts the normal flow of blood between them. An AVM, which is present at birth (congenital), can develop anywhere in your body but occurs most often in the brain or spine. A brain AVM, which appears as tangles of normal and dilated blood vessels, can occur in any part of your brain. The cause isn't clear.

You may not know you have a brain AVM until you experience symptoms, such as headaches or a seizure. In serious cases, the blood vessels rupture, causing bleeding in the brain (hemorrhage). Once diagnosed, a brain AVM can often be treated successfully.

Symptoms
References
  1. Chung CS, et al. Stroke and other neurovascular disorders. In: Goetz CG. Textbook of Clinical Neurology. 3rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Elsevier Saunders; 2007. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/113422743-8/782331384/1488/384.html#4-u1.0-B978-1-4160-3618-0..10045-1--s0670_3824. Accessed Dec. 11, 2008.
  2. Arteriovenous malformations and other vascular lesions of the central nervous system fact sheet. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/avms/detail_avms.htm. Accessed Dec. 11, 2008.
  3. Higashida RT. What is an arteriovenous malformation (AVM)? American Stroke Association. http://www.americanheart.org/downloadable/stroke/1095279678689What_Is_an_Arteriovenous_Malformation_Final%20Science%20review%206-03-03%20vF3.pdf. Accessed Dec. 11, 2008.
  4. Singer RJ, et al. Brain arteriovenous malformations. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Dec. 11, 2008.
  5. Aminoff MJ. Nervous system disorders. In: McPhee SJ, et al. Current Medical Diagnosis and Treatment. New York, N.Y.: The McGraw-Hill Companies; 2009. http://www.accessmedicine.com/content.aspx?aID=12814. Accessed Dec. 11, 2008

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Feb. 13, 2009

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