Seizure or hemorrhage is often the first clinical manifestation of AVM. The seizures are usually focal, either simple or partial complex, or secondarily generalized. About two thirds of the patients may have learning disability when they are young, but this may not be prominent in adults. History of the patient may also show headaches, which later takes the form of migraine. Focal neurologic deficit may be noted in some.

Some of the common symptoms of AVMs include:

• Muscle weakness
• Paralysis
• Lack of coordination
• Dizziness
• Visual disturbances
• Numbness, tingling or pain
• Confusion
• Memory deficits
• Hallucinations

Spinal AVMs also present acutely only after hemorrhage. They may have severe headaches, meningismus, or photophobia.

• Weakness

  Complications may include: Brain damage Intracerebral hemorrhage Language difficulties Numbness of any part of the face or body Persistent headache Seizures Subarachnoid hemorrhage Vision changes Water on the brain ( hydrocephalus ) Weakness in part of [nlm.nih.gov]

  Many people with an AVM experience few, if any, significant symptoms, which can include headache, weakness, seizures, pain, and problems with speech, vision, or movement. Most often AVMs are congenital, but they can appear sporadically. [ninds.nih.gov]

  Cerebral arteriovenous malformation (AVM) is an abnormal tangle of blood vessels in the brain which can cause bleeding in the brain, seizures, or stroke-like symptoms (weakness, numbness, tingling). The cause of AVMs is unknown. [ucdenver.edu]

  They may also cause stroke-like symptoms such as paralysis, weakness, numbness, vision problems, balance or coordination problems, or speech difficulties. [neurosurgery.ufl.edu]

• Localized Pain

  Clinical manifestations usually include local pain, pulsatile mass, headache, numbness, tinnitus; and less frequently, necrosis and hemorrhage. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

  Patients usually complain of hearing a continuous noise (bruit) that occurs with each heartbeat, local pain behind the ear, headaches and neck pain. Sagittal sinus and scalp dural fistula. These occur toward the top of the head. [strokeassociation.org]

• Cough

  These malformations may also bleed, resulting in coughing up blood or blood in the chest. [hopkinsmedicine.org]

  Cough. Signs Bruit/thrill. Clubbing. Cyanosis. Telangiectasia. Polycythaemia. Anaemia. Complications Hypoxaemia. Intrabronchial rupture, haemoptysis. Intrapleural rupture, haemothorax. Paradoxical embolisation. Polycythaemia. Pulmonary hypertension. [pmj.bmj.com]

• Aspiration

  In the event of reflux, the catheter may be dislodged by aspirating whilst applying constant, gentle traction. It may take several seconds to dislodge and the cast may stretch up to 3 cm during this period, but this is normal. [appliedradiology.com]

• Constipation

  Current medical research has not established a method of preventing Colonic Arteriovenous Malformation formation However, if the condition is caused or aggravated by hard stools, then taking steps to avoid chronic constipation may be beneficial Early [dovemed.com]

  This includes drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, decreased appetite and urinary retention and constipation. [radiology.ucla.edu]

• Hypertension

  […] have a secondary cause of hypertension. [ndt.oxfordjournals.org]

  The presence of venous stenosis was significantly associated with age >50 years (P=0.05), hypertension (P=0.05), diabetes (P=0.02), and hyperlipidemia (P=0.001). [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

  Keywords Embolization Renal transplant Arteriovenous fistula Hypertension This is a preview of subscription content, log in to check access. References 1. [doi.org]

• Vascular Disease

  The silent MRA can be a suitable imaging modality for repeated follow-up evaluation for not only brain AVMs but also various intracranial vascular diseases without the use of contrast materials. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

  Subclass ofrare genetic vascular tumor, rare nervous system tumor, central nervous system vascular malformation, rare genetic epilepsy, genetic central nervous system and retinal vascular disease, central nervous system organ benign neoplasm, hemangioma [commons.wikimedia.org]

  Malformations Cardiovascular Abnormalities Cardiovascular Diseases Vascular Diseases Neoplasms, Vascular Tissue Neoplasms by Histologic Type Neoplasms Bevacizumab Angiogenesis Inhibitors Angiogenesis Modulating Agents Growth Substances Physiological [clinicaltrials.gov]

  AVMs are a complex vascular disease, requiring specialized team and the latest imaging technology to effectively treat them. [stanfordhealthcare.org]

• Heart Murmur

  PATIENT CONCERNS: The patient was a girl delivered at a gestational age of 39+5 weeks showing cyanosis and heart murmur. DIAGNOSES: Cardiac echography, abdominal ultrasonography (USG), and computed tomography revealed suspecting the umbilical AVM. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

  Subsequent studies in support of Heyde's discovery used indirect clinical criteria, such as idiopathic GI bleeding or heart murmur consistent with AS, to determine the presence of AVMs or AS. 2 - 5 Other authors, however, have questioned whether the Heyde [doi.org]

• Tinnitus

  CONCLUSION: Auricular arteriovenous malformation is a rarely encountered disease, but should be suspected if a patient presents with a swollen ear and pulsatile tinnitus. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

  Patients often have tinnitus and an audible bruit in addition to signs and symptoms of increased intracranial pressure. [aao.org]

• Diplopia

  Signs and symptoms of brainstem AVMs are not specific and may include diplopia, nystagmus, dizziness, ocular motor nerve palsy, gaze palsy, anisocoria, or pupillary light–near dissociation. [aao.org]

  […] the body; loss of coordination (ataxia) and balance (dysequilibrium) ; difficulty walking (gait disturbance) ; difficulties carrying out tasks that require planning; dizziness (vertigo); visual disturbances (visual field impairment); double vision (diplopia [neurosurgerydallas.com]

• Cesarean Section

  One case was delivered by cesarean section for residual i-AVM with indication of treatment. Another case who had refused treatment of i-AVM experienced rupture of i-AVM 1 year after delivery. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

  However, in most cases such malformation is acquired, with a great variety of causes, including gestational trophoblastic disease (GTD), pelvic trauma, surgical procedures (cesarean section, curettage), cervical or endometrial carcinoma, infection and [scielo.br]

  Hemorrhage during delivery has been a major concern of obstetricians and patients; however, the available data would suggest that in most cases, vaginal delivery does not carry a higher risk for hemorrhage than delivery by cesarean section. 152 There [stroke.ahajournals.org]

• Headache

  Medication can often alleviate general symptoms such as headache, back pain, and seizures caused by AVMs and other vascular lesions. [ninds.nih.gov]

  Clinical manifestations usually include local pain, pulsatile mass, headache, numbness, tinnitus; and less frequently, necrosis and hemorrhage. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

  Symptoms of an AVM that is bleeding are: Confusion Ear noise/buzzing (also called pulsatile tinnitus) Headache in one or more parts of the head, may seem like a migraine Problems walking Seizures Symptoms due to pressure on one area of the brain include [nlm.nih.gov]

  AVMs can cause seizures or headache, typically in young adults. AVMs may cause headaches with no bleeding. Brain imaging Doctors use brain imaging to diagnose brain arteriovenous malformations. [msdmanuals.com]

• Seizure

  Weakness Other symptoms of a ruptured AVM Also seek medical attention right away if you have a first-time seizure, because AVM may be the cause of seizures. [nlm.nih.gov]

  The patient's postoperative course was uneventful, with an excellent neurological outcome and no further seizures. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

  Medication can often alleviate general symptoms such as headache, back pain, and seizures caused by AVMs and other vascular lesions. [ninds.nih.gov]

• Confusion

  The patient underwent surgical resection of the AVM resulting in postoperative resolution of bilateral thalamic edema on MRI and improvement of his confusion and memory deficits. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

  Symptoms of an AVM that is bleeding are: Confusion Ear noise/buzzing (also called pulsatile tinnitus) Headache in one or more parts of the head, may seem like a migraine Problems walking Seizures Symptoms due to pressure on one area of the brain include [nlm.nih.gov]

  Symptoms of a ruptured brain AVM often come on suddenly and include a sudden, severe headache (“worst headache of my life”) that is different from past headaches, nausea and vomiting, sensitivity to light, weakness, confusion, fainting or loss of consciousness [pacificneuroscienceinstitute.org]

  […] muscle weakness and even paralysis • Vertigo (dizziness) • Difficulties with speech and communication • Difficulties with everyday activities • Abnormal sensations (numbness, tingling, or spontaneous pain) • Memory and thought-related problems, such as confusion [vascularcures.org]

• Dizziness

  Signs and symptoms of brainstem AVMs are not specific and may include diplopia, nystagmus, dizziness, ocular motor nerve palsy, gaze palsy, anisocoria, or pupillary light–near dissociation. [aao.org]

  […] noticeably or during examination of skull with a stethoscope If bleeding into the brain occurs, signs and symptoms are similar to those of a stroke and may include: Weakness, numbness or paralysis in part of the body Sudden, severe headache Unsteadiness or dizziness [uchicagokidshospital.org]

  […] that is bleeding are: Confusion Ear noise/buzzing (also called pulsatile tinnitus) Headache in one or more parts of the head, may seem like a migraine Problems walking Seizures Symptoms due to pressure on one area of the brain include: Vision problems Dizziness [nlm.nih.gov]

  These symptoms include: • Difficulties with movement or coordination, including muscle weakness and even paralysis • Vertigo (dizziness) • Difficulties with speech and communication • Difficulties with everyday activities • Abnormal sensations (numbness [vascularcures.org]

• Ataxia

  Some of the most common symptoms include: Abnormal sensations, such as numbness, tingling or spontaneous pain Dizziness Headache, varying in severity, duration and intensity Loss of coordination, known as ataxia Show More The following tests may be used [ucsfbenioffchildrens.org]

  Other neurological symptoms may include muscle weakness or paralysis in one part of the body or loss of coordination (ataxia). Also, AVMs can cause pain or disturbances of vision or speech. Mental confusion or hallucination is also possible. [christopherreeve.org]

  Three years later the patient presented with increased seizure activity, behavioral changes, increased ataxia, and aphasia after a minor head injury. CT demonstrated no evidence of a skull fracture or hemorrhage. [ajnr.org]

  Other scientists are examining the genetic basis of familial cavernous malformations and other hereditary syndromes that cause neurological vascular lesions, including ataxia telangiectasia. [medicinenet.com]

A number of traditional and imaging techniques are used to locate and define AVMs. High-quality imaging techniques like MRI and CT scanning play a key role in the diagnosis of these malformations. Although CT scan provides an easy identification of the hemorrhage, only large AVMs can be located with the help of this scanning. For initial diagnosis, MRI is more accepted. If hemorrhage has occurred, a follow-up MRI may be needed as blood obscures the image. Angiogram may also be recommended in these cases. Magnetic resonance angiography enables to locate and assess AVMs that are moderately sized, but may be inadequate to find the detailed structure of arteries and veins, and also vessel aneurysms. In most of the cases aneurysms are present in the region away from the nidus. But those present within the nidus are more susceptible to rupture.

Angiogram is an essential part of diagnosis, particularly for hemodynamic assessment. This technique is also essential for deciding on the most appropriate treatment plan. Super selective angiography with a femoral artery puncture helps in measuring the pressure within the nidus.

Laboratory studies are generally not recommended for diagnosis or evaluation of AVMs. In case of subarachnoid hemorrhage, lumbar puncture helps to detect the presence of blood in spinal fluid. Transcranial Doppler is a non-invasive method to evaluate and locate cerebral AVMs. It is also a safe method for monitoring the brain after gamma knife surgery [7].

Treatment of AVMs is based on the risk of hemorrhage associated with the condition. History of hemorrhage, size of malformation, deep venous drainage and high pressure within the nidus, all increase the risk of hemorrhage. Since there is a high probability of recurrence, patients who have hemorrhage should be given specific treatment to prevent recurrence. Earlier, patients with AVM who did not have hemorrhage were also subjected to invasive treatment to rule out the possibility of future hemorrhages. This practice is not much accepted because of the low rate of hemorrhage in patients who do not have hemorrhage as a manifestation.

Patients with one or more of the risk factors for rupture should be treated specifically, while those who do not have any high-risk factors are treated for the symptoms. Treatment usually include anticonvulsants for seizure and analgesic for headache, when present. Standard anticonvulsant therapy is suggested for improving seizures. A sudden onset of severe headache is usually a sign of brain hemorrhage and immediate assessment is needed. For headaches, without hemorrhage, analgesics are used. If focal neurological symptoms are present, serotonin is recommended. Glucocorticoids are suggested for improving neurological functions. These help in reducing vasogenic edema.

Endovascular embolization, surgical resection and focal beam radiation are the invasive techniques used in the treatment of this condition [9]. Decision to undergo surgery is based on the Spetzler-Martin grading scale where AVMs range from grade I (size smaller than 3 cm) to grade III (size larger than 6 cm). If the AVM is located in a functionally critical part of the brain it is assigned grade IV, while it is grade V if it has a deep venous drainage. Surgery is suggested for grade I and II, and if surgery has an increased risk due to the location of AVM, radiation therapy is the treatment choice [8]. Surgical resection is found to be very effective with smaller lesions [10]. For AVMs of larger size (grade III), embolization followed by surgical extirpation is the preferred treatment modality. A multimodal approach with embolization, radiosurgery and surgery is used in grade IV and V. Age of the patient, diffused nature of the AVM, presentation of hemorrhage, and blood supply to the nidus are considered before deciding on the treatment plan.

Prognosis of AVM depends on the risk of hemorrhage and thus assessment of the risk is important in deciding the treatment plan. Prognosis is good for AVMs that are of moderate size and are superficially located in the brain. Interventional treatment may not be recommended for these cases. The risk of hemorrhage is elevated in young adults. Hemorrhage due to AVM gives a good outcome when compared to hemorrhage due to other causes. This may be due to the fact that reorganization of the brain is better in young adults.

The actual cause of AVM is not clear. Congenital lesions resulting from a malfunction in the embryonal capillary maturation process is considered to be one of the most important cause of the vascular disorder. The vessel tangle, or nidus, is often connected by one or more fistulae. In a nidus, the arteries directly drain into the veins [1]. A possible mutation in the germline that affect the angiogenesis is proposed to be an important etiologic factor in the development of AVM. Studies also suggest that apoptotic cell death and vascular modeling as possible factors affecting development and maintenance of vascular abnormalities.

Genetic mutation in chromosome 7 is associated with the formation of multiple lesions and is found to occur in families. This mutation is more prevalent in Hispanic American population of the Southwest. Another theory also suggests the involvement of angiopathic reaction following a cerebral ischemia or hemorrhage in the development AVMs [2].

Incidence of AVM in different parts of the world is not known. As the disease is rare and is mostly asymptomatic, detection rate for symptomatic lesions is taken as reliable estimate of prevalence rate [3]. One of the prospective studies from New York Islands show the detection rate of AVM to be about 1.34 in 100,000 persons [4]. Reports from countries like Australia, Scotland and Sweden show the detection rate to be ranging from 0.89 to 1.24 in 100,000 persons. In Scotland, the prevalence of AVM is reported to be about 18 per 100,000. In US, approximately 300,000 persons are presumed to be affected by AVM. Approximately 78% of these patients remain asymptomatic. Mortality due to any of the AVM is around 10-15% while different types of morbidity are reported from 30-50% of the patients.

AVM is associated with intracranial hemorrhage in 2-4%. Hemorrhage is expected to recur within a year after the initial bleeding, in around 7-33% of the patients [5]. About 15-40% of the patients may develop seizures. Although the condition is presumed to be congenital, onset of symptoms is most commonly noted in young adults. Hemorrhage and seizure, two most common manifestations of AVM, is seen in young children and also in adults above the age of 40 years. About 66% of the adults with AVM show different degrees of learning disabilities.

Without an intervening capillary network in the nidus, arteries drain directly into the veins. The arterial walls are characterized by abnormal muscularis and the vessels show a variety of flow-related signs such as dilation and aneurysms due to the high velocity blood flow. Structural abnormalities of the vessels make them susceptible to rupture and hemorrhage may result.

Cranial AVM may result in neurological dysfunction due to subarachnoid hemorrhage, or a hemorrhage in the intraventricular space or parenchyma [6]. About 15-40% of the patients with cranial AVM may have seizures that lead to neurological deficits. In some patients, neurological dysfunction may be a progressive feature that occurs over months or years. This is presumed to be related to the siphoning of blood from neighboring tissues. Neurological dysfunction may also arise from enlargement of nidus or venous hypertension. Large sized AVMs may damage the tissues of brain and spinal cord by their presence. These malformations constrict the flow of cerebrospinal fluid resulting in its accumulation. Cerebrospinal fluid buildup increases the pressure on neurological structures leading to further damage.

Since it is a congenital condition and is presumed to be linked to chromosome 7, prevention is not possible. Hypertension is one of the risk factors for hemorrhage and it would be wise to avoid this condition. Careful and continuous monitoring is important in preventing hemorrhages in patients with AVM.

Arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) are congenital vascular malformations characterized by tangled masses of arteries and veins that develop in any part of the body. Spinal and cranial AVMs pose a substantial risk for hemorrhage. Malformation of blood vessels is often related to abnormal development of brain tissue. Etiology of the disorder is not clear, but is considered to be multifactorial. Angiogenesis and genetics are presumed to play vital role in the development of malformed vascular structures. These are rare disorders and is found mostly in young adults. Morbidity rate for the disorder ranges from 30% to 50%. About 10% to 15% of the patients may have life threatening situations as complications of AVM. A multidisciplinary approach is used in the treatment including surgery and endovascular techniques.

Arteriovenous malformation (AVM) is a vascular disorder characterized by a tangle of blood vessels. This malformation may occur in any part of the body, but is more common in brain or spine. The actual cause of the condition is not yet known. AVMs are more common among men and is found to run in a family. Prevalence of this condition is also not worked out completely. AVMs are rare and is found to affect less than 1% of the population.

AVM may remain asymptomatic in many people and may be found during a scan indicated for some other health issue. The most common symptoms, when present, are bleeding in the brain and seizure. These tangles of blood vessels may increase the pressure on the surrounding tissues of brain and spinal cord, resulting in headache, vision defects, weakness and other neurological symptoms. Stroke like symptoms are also common when blood flow from the neighboring tissues are directed towards the affected area. AVMs may also result in complications like weakened blood vessels and brain damage. Weakening of blood vessels leads to hemorrhage, which in turn affects the surrounding tissues. AVMs may enlarge in size with age. This may prevent the flow of protective fluid in different areas of brain resulting in fluid accumulation.

Cerebral angiography, CT scan and MRI are the most common techniques used in the diagnosis of AVMs. Images from these techniques help to locate the malformation and the flow of blood through them. This enables to decide on the appropriate treatment for the condition. Treatment of AVM depends on the location, size and symptoms. AVMs in the brain may need either surgery or radiation therapy. Surgery is recommended if there was a hemorrhage earlier and want to prevent further bleeding. Outcome of treatment depend on the location of malformation and severity of bleeding. Most of the patients have a quick and good recovery after surgery. Endovascular techniques also give a good prognosis.

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