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Overview
Arteries transport oxygen-rich blood from the heart to different body tissues while veins bring deoxygenated blood back to the heart. The blood travels from arteries to veins through capillaries. Arteriovenous Malformation (AVM) is an unusual tangle of blood vessels that connects arteries and veins resulting in the disruption of blood flow and oxygen circulation.
Arteriovenous Malformation occurs when this bridge of ‘Capillaries’ is missing and arteries and vessels form a direct connection. AVM can develop in any part of the body but most often they occur in the head, brain, neck, and spinal cord.
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Symptoms
Most people have no initial symptoms. Symptoms start appearing when bleeding starts. A person with AVM may have the following signs:
- Numbness in a body part
- Headaches
- Seizures
- Memory loss
- Dropping eyelids
- Loss of neurological function
Diagnosis
A doctor may look into a patient’s history, and review symptoms to diagnose arteriovenous malformation. The symptoms of AVM are sometimes mistaken for other diseases. So for a correct diagnosis, a doctor may order the following tests:
- MRI - For location and size of AVM
- CT Scan - Shows if AVM is affecting any bone
- Angiogram - For detailed picture of blood vessels
- Cerebral angiography - To diagnose brain AVM
Treatment
Treatment for AVM depends on the size and location of the abnormality, symptoms, patient’s age, and overall health condition. Medication can help treat mild symptoms such as headaches, seizures, back pain, etc. However, if symptoms are severe and the patient is at a high risk of bleeding, surgery is the ultimate option for arteriovenous malformation treatment.
Why Choose Us?
At Southern California Brain & Spine Surgery, we use a multidisciplinary approach for arteriovenous malformation treatment. We offer:
1.
Advanced diagnostic methods
2.
State-of-the-art technology
3.
Minimal Invasive Surgery
4.
Patient-centered approach
5.
Recovery with less downtime
6.
Outstanding patient care
For more information call us at (213) 369-4583 or visit our office in Los Angeles today!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Arteriovenous Malformation fatal?
A:
If Arteriovenous Malformation is left untreated, it may lead to bleeding and seizures, and other neurological damages that can be fatal.
Does AVM get worse over time?
A:
If you delay the treatment of Arteriovenous Malformation, it can get progressively larger. The increased blood pressure may weaken the vessels causing them to burst, leading to stroke or brain damage.
