Arteriovenous Malformation of the Brain

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.

Information provided by the
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke,
National Institutes of Health

Each year, Medical College of Wisconsin physicians care for more than 180,000 patients, representing nearly 500,000 patient visits. Medical College physicians practice at Children's Hospital of Wisconsin, Froedtert Memorial Lutheran Hospital, the Milwaukee VA Medical Center, and many other hospitals and clinics in Milwaukee and southeastern Wisconsin.