NINDS Arteriovenous Malformation Information Page: NINDS

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Article title: NINDS Arteriovenous Malformation Information Page: NINDS
Conditions: Arteriovenous malformation

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What is Arteriovenous Malformation?
An arteriovenous malformation (AVM) is a congenital disorder characterized by a complex, tangled web of arteries and veins. An AVM may occur in the brain, brainstem, or spinal cord and is caused by abnormal development of blood vessels. The most common symptoms of AVM include hemorrhaging (bleeding), seizures, headaches, and neurological problems such as paralysis or loss of speech, memory, or vision.

Is there any treatment?
There are three general forms of treatment for AVM: surgery; embolization, which involves closing off the vessels of the AVM by injecting glue into them (embolization is often used before surgery); and radiosurgery, which involves focusing radiation on the AVM.

What is the prognosis?
AVMs that hemorrhage can lead to serious neurological problems, and sometimes death. However, some people have AVMs that never cause problems.

What research is being done?
The NINDS conducts and supports a wide range of studies that explore the complex mechanisms of normal brain development. The knowledge gained from these fundamental studies provides the foundation for understanding how this process can go awry and, thus, offers hope for new means to treat and prevent congenital disorders including AVM.

 Organizations

National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD)
P.O. Box 8923
(100 Route 37)
New Fairfield, CT 06812-8923
orphan@rarediseases.org
http://www.rarediseases.org/
Tel: 203-746-6518 800-999-NORD (6673)
Fax: 203-746-6481

International Radiosurgery Support Association
P.O. Box 60950
Harrisburg, PA 17110-0950
getinfo@irsa.org
http://www.irsa.org/
Tel: 717-671-1701
Fax: 717-671-1703

Related NINDS Publications and Information

Fact Sheet: Arteriovenous Malformations and Other Vascular Lesions of the Central Nervous System
Arteriovenous malformations and other vascular lesions of the central nervous system fact sheet, compiled by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS).

This fact sheet is in the public domain. You may copy it.Provided by:
The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
National Institutes of Health
Bethesda, MD 20892

 » Next page: NINDS Asperger Syndrome Information Page: NINDS

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