Understanding Arteriovenous Malformations

Sometimes a simple headache can lead to a serious neurological problem. If headaches are often accompanied with chronic seizures, there may be a great possibility of arteriovenous malformations.

Definition of Arteriovenous Malformations
Arteriovenous malformations (AVM) is a hereditary condition that is particularly a disorder of the body’s arteries and veins, which predominantly compose the vascular system. AVM is also a disorder in the circulatory system, which is believed to originate during the development of a fetus or a few days after a child’s birth. These defects are mainly entangled veins and arteries that can sometimes be hard to diagnose.

AVM actually disrupts the normal cycle of the blood in relation to one’s lungs and heart. Arteries distribute blood enriched with oxygen to the body cells and keep them away from the heart. Veins, on the other hand, return this oxygen-depleted blood back to one’s heart and lungs. If a person is suffering from AVM, then this normal cycle is interrupted. When this happens, then it can lead to some serious complications within the body.

AVM can root from varied parts of the body. If AVM triggers the arteries and veins, which are located or very near the spinal cord or the brain, it can lead to a graver damage and would affect almost all parts of the human body.

Symptoms of Arteriovenous Malformations
The most common of symptoms of AVM are headaches and seizure. The pattern of the severity or the regularity of these two particular symptoms are yet undefined. One can experience total or partial seizure that can sometimes lead to unconsciousness. Headaches can sometimes turn to migraines and may only affect one side of your head.

AVM can also show some neurological symptoms such as weakening of the muscles or paralysis in certain parts of your body. One may also experience visual disturbances and the incapability to control one’s eye movement. They can also encounter difficulty in speech and comprehending language. One can lose balance and body coordination that can lead to walking difficulties. AVM sufferers also find it hard to plan and carry out tasks. Dizziness would be a common thing. Numbness, tingling sensations and chronic pains are also apparent. There are claims stating that AVM may even cause dementia and mental confusion. There is also a possibility to experience bruit. Bruit is a condition characterized with a whooshing sound that can only be diagnosed by a doctor. The sound is actually caused by the rapid flow of blood in the affected veins and arteries. In some patient, this may be even be a physical symptom that may hinder them to sleep properly and can cause psychological stress.

For children or teenagers with AVM, they may also show behavioral disorders. During childbirth, AVM can also be related to hydrocephalus, a condition where one’s head is abnormally enlarged because of the fluids accumulated in the brain.

Treatment for Arteriovenous Malformations
Your usual medication for back pains, headaches and seizures can alleviate the symptoms of AVM. If you experience any of the symptoms of AVM, make sure that you consult your doctor as soon as possible. Your doctor may suggest an irradiation therapy or a surgery. Your physician would carefully diagnose your condition and should present to you the possible risks against the immediate benefits if you would decide to go through surgery. AVM surgery actually has about 8% risk that your condition may lead to a more serious complication and in worst case scenarios, can even cause death.

AVM is a case-to-case basis. Every patient’s condition may have an easier remedy or may need complicated treatments such as surgery. This is why it is important to discuss with your doctor all your possible options and the pros and cons of whichever treatment you decide on.