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Guidelines for sites linking to mayoclinic.orgMayo Clinic is one of the world's leading centers for treatment of brain disorders, including arteriovenous malformations (AVMs). Mayo Clinic is ranked No. 1 in Neurology and Neurosurgery by U.S. News & World Report.
Treatment of AVM must be individualized and requires input from a variety of specialties. More than 50 experienced and highly trained specialists from neurosurgery, radiosurgery, interventional neuroradiology and vascular neurology who are familiar with AVMs and all treatment options work together to develop the best treatment plan for each patient. In Mayo's efficient system, testing and treatment can be done in days, not months.
Mayo uses the latest technology, including computer-assisted brain surgery, intraoperative MRI, radiosurgery (including the latest Gamma Knife) and brain mapping, to give patients the best chance of positive outcomes.
It is important to rule out other neurological conditions that have signs
and symptoms similar to AVMs. Mayo has many tools to help make an accurate diagnosis.
The primary tests used to diagnose AVMs include: computerized tomography (CT
scan), computed tomographic angiograph (CTA), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
and magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) and cerebral arteriography (also called
cerebral angiography). Test results generally are available to the doctor within
24 hours in Mayo's state-of-the-art electronic medical record. Learn more
about arteriovenous malformation diagnosis.
At Mayo Clinic, patients, neurologists, and other specialists work together to determine the most appropriate care for the patient. AVMs are treated in three main ways: surgical removal, radiation and endovascular embolization. The pros and cons of each option are discussed in detail during treatment planning. Learn about arteriovenous malformation treatment options.
Angiogram of an arteriovenous malformation (AVM)
An intracranial arteriovenous malformation is an abnormal tangle of blood vessels in the brain. Normally, oxygen-rich blood enters the brain through arteries, which branch into smaller arterioles and subsequently to capillaries, the smallest blood vessels. Oxygen is removed from blood in the capillaries and used by the brain, and then blood passes into small venules and then into larger veins that drain the blood from the brain to the heart and lungs. In an AVM, the blood passes directly from arteries to veins via the abnormal vessels.
Arteriovenous malformations do not allow the brain to absorb oxygen from the blood, which can result in strokelike symptoms. The condition also puts extreme pressure on the thin-walled veins, since no capillaries are available to slow down the blood flow. As a person grows, more arteries may be "recruited" to supply blood to the fast-flowing AVM. As a result, some AVMs enlarge. Over time, the veins or the abnormal group of blood vessels may rupture and cause a brain hemorrhage. AVMs can also cause seizures and other symptoms.
Arteriovenous malformations appear to be congenital (people are born with them). About 0.14 percent of the population have an AVM. Usually people who have AVMs do not experience symptoms until their 30s, but this varies. Some infants are diagnosed with AVMs, and some AVMs are not discovered until a person is elderly, or after death.
Dural arteriovenous fistulas
Dural arteriovenous fistulae (DAVF) are usually not as dangerous and are easier
to treat than other types of AVMs.
Shopping, going to lunch, seeing a movie — just a few things mothers and daughters do together. Add having Gamma Knife™ surgery to the list for Margie Hartmann and her daughter, Jessica Nastrom.
Read Margie and Jessica's story.
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