Arteriovenous malformation

Arteriovenous malformation (pronunciation: /ɑːrˌtɪəriːoʊˈviːnəs ˌmælˌfɔːrˈmeɪʃən/) is a medical condition that involves an abnormal connection between the arteries and veins in the brain or spine. The etymology of the term comes from the Latin arteria meaning airpipe, and vena meaning vein, and the English malformation meaning badly formed.

Overview

An Arteriovenous malformation (AVM) is a specific type of vascular malformation that is characterized by a complex, tangled web of abnormal arteries and veins. Normally, the arteries carry oxygen-rich blood from the heart to the brain, and the veins carry oxygen-depleted blood back to the lungs and heart. In an AVM, the arteries and veins are directly connected, bypassing the capillaries, which can lead to various health problems.

Symptoms

The symptoms of an AVM can vary greatly depending on its size and location. They may include headache, seizure, weakness, numbness, vision loss, difficulty speaking, and difficulty understanding speech. In severe cases, an AVM can cause stroke or brain hemorrhage.

Treatment

Treatment options for AVM include surgery, radiosurgery, and endovascular embolization. The choice of treatment depends on the size, location, and characteristics of the AVM, as well as the patient's overall health.

Related Terms

• Vascular malformation
• Brain hemorrhage
• Stroke
• Endovascular embolization
• Radiosurgery

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on Arteriovenous malformation
• Wikipedia's article - Arteriovenous malformation

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