Causes of Arteriovenous Malformation
Arteriovenous malformations occur when arteries in the brain connect to nearby veins without having normal capillaries between them. Arteriovenous malformations vary in size and location within the brain. An arteriovenous malformation rupture occurs because of pressure and damage to brain tissue, as well as a lack of blood flow to the brain. Symptoms can occur when arteriovenous malformations press on the brain tissue, even if they haven’t bled. Although congenital, symptoms can occur at any age. People ages 15-20 often experience hemorrhaging, but hemorrhages can appear later in life. Cerebral arteriovenous malformations occur in less than 1% of people.
Symptoms of Arteriovenous Malformations
An arteriovenous malformation that has not bled can produce several symptoms, including:
Decreased sensation in the body
Localized headaches, or migraine headaches
Seizures
Vision changes, including blurred vision, decreased vision and double vision
Decreased consciousness
Dizziness
Dysfunctional movement
Eyelid drooping
Facial paralysis
Fainting
Impaired smell
Speech impairment
An arteriovenous malformation will often not produce symptoms until it has ruptured. Once an arteriovenous malformation ruptures, bleeding in the brain will occur. Hemorrhaging is the first symptom in over half of patients with arteriovenous malformation.
Treatment for Arteriovenous Malformations
An arteriovenous malformation that has ruptured is a medical emergency.
The goal of treatment is to prevent further complications by controlling bleeding and seizures, hopefully by removing the arteriovenous malformation altogether. Treatments for arteriovenous malformation include:
Open brain surgery – removes the malformation through an opening made in the skull.
Embolization – injecting a glue-like substance into the abnormal vessels to stop blood flow in the arteriovenous malformation, and reduce the risk of bleeding. This is often the first form of treatment for certain arteriovenous malformations.
Radiosurgery – stereotactic radiosurgery deliver radiation directly to the area of the arteriovenous malformation, causing it to scar and shrink.
Anti-convulsant medications are usually prescribed if seizures occur.
Diagnosis and Prognosis
A complete physical examination and neurologic examination is needed, but may be completely normal. Dr. Moza, a Ventura County neurosurgeon, may recommend the following tests to diagnose an arteriovenous malformation::
Cerebral angiogram
Cranial MRI
Electroencephalogram (EEG)
Magnetic resonance angiography (MRA0)
Death can occur if hemorrhaging is the first symptom of arteriovenous malformations. Roughly 10% of cases result in death if hemorrhaging is the first symptom. Persistent neurological problems and permanent seizures can be effects of arteriovenous malformations.
Complications of Surgery
Complications vary from patient to patient. Complications may include:
Focal weakness
Intracerebral hemorrhage
Linguistic (speaking) disabilities
Numbness of the body
Permanent neurological changes, such as paralysis or sensory issues
Persistent headaches
Seizures
Subarachnoid hemorrhages
Vision changes
Hydrocephalus – water on the brain
Brain swelling
Contact Dr. Moza - Call 805-497-3622
Dr. Moza is an experienced California spine surgeon, lauded as a Vitals Top 10 Neurosurgeon who has received several customer care awards and numerous other accolades.
Located in Thousand Oaks, California, Dr. Moza serves all of southern California, including: Los Angeles, Westlake Village, Santa Barbara, Santa Clarita, Camarillo, Calabasas, Hollywood, Ventura and San Diego.
Contact Dr. Moza to discuss arteriovenous malformation treatment.