Arteriovenous Malformations

What are Arteriovenous Malformations?

Veins carry deoxygenated blood towards the heart and the arteries carry oxygenated blood from the heart to the brain. Arteriovenous Malformations interrupt this process. Arteriovenous Malfunctions may occur in the spinal cord, brain or the brain stream. The only main cause of Arteriovenous Malfunctions is a genetic disorder passed on by parents.

Symptoms

People with Arteriovenous Malformations often experience the following symptoms or signs:

  • Vision loss
  • Headache
  • Numbness
  • Seizures
  • Unsteadiness

Causes

The cause of Arteriovenous Malformations is unknown. The veins and arteries in a patient of Arteriovenous Malformation lack proper network of capillaries and small blood vessels.

Risks

The risks of Arteriovenous Malformations include:

  • Family history
  • Being male

Prevention

Prevention from Arteriovenous Malformation is not possible as doctors believe it is a congenital disease. 

How is it diagnosed?

The following tests may be used to diagnose Arteriovenous Malformations:

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How is it treated?

There are a few potential treatment alternatives for Arteriovenous Malformation. The primary objectives of the treatment are to avoid haemorrhage, to control seizures or neurological difficulties.Your specialist will decide the most suitable treat..

  • Stereotactic radiosurgery

    Stereotactic radiosurgery uses radiation to breakdown the malformation. A beam of radiation is directed towards the malformation for a small duration.

  • Endovascular embolization-

    In Endovascular embolization, the specialist embeds a catheter (thin tube) into the patient's leg artery and strings it through the veins to the cerebrum using X-Ray imaging. 

    The thin tube (catheter) is positioned in one of the artery to the malformation and infuses an embolizing agent like a paste or micro coils to hinder the supply route (artery) and decrease blood stream into the malformation. Endovascular embolization is less obtrusive than conventional surgery.

  • Surgical removal

    The patient may need a conventional brain surgery to remove an Arteriovenous Malformation. Depending on the size of the malformation the technique may vary. The malformation is removed through making a window in the patient skull.

When do I contact the doctor?

One should contact the doctor if one notices any signs and symptoms of the disease. 

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How does Medanta provide care?

Medanta Institute of Neurosciences is an integrated institute with a dedicated team of doctors supported by the latest technology which aims to provide comprehensive and multidisciplinary care for disorders of the brain and spine. The institute ha..

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