Brain AVM (Arteriovenous Malformation)

A brain AVM is an abnormal tangle of arteries and veins that bypass normal circulation, causing high-pressure blood flow directly into veins. This fragile network can rupture and lead to brain bleeding, seizures, headaches, or neurological deficits. Many AVMs remain silent for years before presenting symptoms, so early diagnosis through MRI or angiography is crucial. Timely treatment is essential because rupture risk persists lifelong, and specialists carefully assess the AVM’s size, location, and structure before recommending a safe treatment plan.

Brain AVMs can present with persistent headaches, seizures, weakness, numbness, vision disturbances, or sudden neurological changes depending on their location. In many cases, the first sign may be a sudden severe headache due to bleeding, making emergency evaluation crucial. Symptoms often arise when abnormal vessels press on brain tissue or reduce blood supply to nearby regions. Even mild or recurring symptoms should not be ignored, as early clinical evaluation significantly improves outcomes by preventing life-threatening complications.

Diagnosis of a brain AVM relies on MRI, CT angiography, and digital subtraction angiography, which help map abnormal blood vessels and their flow patterns. Treatment options include endovascular embolization, where microcatheters deliver agents to block abnormal vessels safely. Some AVMs may require a combination of embolization, radiosurgery, or microsurgical removal based on their size, depth, and complexity. The overall goal is to eliminate or reduce the AVM while preserving healthy brain tissue, ensuring safe and effective long-term outcomes.