Arteriovenous Malformations (AVMs)
Arteriovenous Malformations are made up of abnormal arteries and veins, which in most cases form prior to birth. AVMs may cause headaches, seizures and bleeding within the brain. If spontaneous bleeding occurs a person may experience a stroke with paralysis, coma or possibly death. Most AVMs should be treated to reduce or eliminate these risks. Obliteration or closing off of the AVM vessels after Gamma Knife radiosurgery occurs gradually over two to three years. The success rate varies between 65 and 100 percent depending on the size and location of the AVM. Temporary delayed weakness, numbness or imbalance may occur in 10 to 15 percent of all cases. Permanent neurological problems, as a complication of treatment, occur in fewer than five percent of patients. Because Gamma Knife treatment results in a gradual closing off of vessels, the AVM can still bleed in the interval between treatment and total obliteration. Periodic MRI scans are obtained (usually at one year intervals) to monitor patient progress.
AVM Links
Links to information on brain vascular malformations, such as arteriovenous malformations (AVM) and cavernous malformations (cavernous angioma):