What is Arteriovenous Malformation?
An arteriovenous malformation (AVM) is an abnormal tangle of arteries and veins. Because of this, blood flow is altered, which affects your cells getting oxygen and nutrients. This tangle of blood vessels can develop in any part of the brain; however, it does not usually grow/expand much. Typically, people are born with this malformation; it isn’t usually acquired later in life. There are multiple forms of arteriovenous malformations which also determines the treatment plan.
How is Arteriovenous Malformation Treated?
Your doctor will typically determine your treatment plan based on three things: if the AVM is bleeding, where it is in the brain, as well as how big it is. Treatment options include medication management, surgically removing the AVM, or stereotactic radiosurgery.
Not all patients experience symptoms from their arteriovenous malformation. Alternatively, some patients may not be able to be treated surgically due to the location or size of the AVM. In these cases, doctors can manage treatment by adjusting the patient’s lifestyle and medication regimen if needed. Patients with this treatment plan should avoid intense exercise, manage blood pressure, and avoid certain medication such as blood thinners and NSAIDs.
Surgical treatment usually involves a craniotomy. During this procedure, a piece of the skull is removed to access the AVM. The AVM is then clipped and removed from the brain. The piece of skull that was removed is then put back in place.
Stereotactic radiosurgery can be used if the AVM is not able to be accessed easily by craniotomy. This procedure is guided by a cerebral angiogram, which uses contrast dye and x-rays to locate the AVM. Once the AVM is located, radiation is directed at the AVM to close off the vessels, cutting off the blood supply to the abnormality.