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Arteriovenous Malformations (AVM's)Arteriovenous malformations are groups of abnormal vessels which may occur within the brain and other parts of the body. Arteries are the vessels that supply oxygen-rich blood to the brain and all other organs in the body. There are four major arteries that supply blood to the brain, the two carotid arteries in the front of the neck and the two vertebral arteries in the back of the neck. Blood is pumped from the heart to the brain through these four major arteries at a relatively high pressure. As the blood flow reaches the smaller vessels within the brain, called capillaries, it exchanges the oxygen and nutrients for carbon dioxide and other waste products, and then returns to the heart and lungs at a much lower level of pressure. Because of this lower pressure, veins have characteristically thinner walls and are much more delicate than arteries. AVM's develop when there are abnormal communications that directly connect relatively large arteries to veins; thus, the blood is exchanged at a relatively higher pressure with more rapid flow directly into the veins. This unusual connection between arteries and veins is called a nidus. The anatomy of the vein is not designed to take the higher pressures and flow; thus, it expands and pushes against the normal brain tissue. This may damage the normal brain causing weakness, numbness, loss of vision, or seizures. Often there is a rupture in the supplying arteries, the AVM itself, or the enlarged veins which results in an intracranial hemorrhage, which is a type of stroke. These complex vascular lesions can be difficult lesions to treat. Successful treatment of AVMs of the brain includes extensive preoperative planning, multimodality treatment options, and modern postoperative surgical care. The advent of new technologies, such as radiosurgery, has expanded the range of malformations that can be treated effectively and has had a significant impact on those individuals who manifest this disease process. For more information, speak to your physician or email us at info@nhneurospine.com. As you read this information, keep in mind that all treatment and outcome results are specific to the individual. Only your physician can provide you with a detailed list of your specific indications, precautions, potential adverse events, and other important medical information.
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