Your arteries carry oxygen-rich blood from the heart to the organs and cells of your body, and then your veins carry the oxygen-depleted blood back to your heart and lungs for reoxygenation. Arteriovenous malformation (AVM) is a condition where there is an entanglement of blood vessels that can interfere with your normal blood flow.
The entanglement can occur anywhere in your body, but it most commonly occurs in the brain or spine. Because this entanglement creates a vulnerability in the vessels, it can burst – which can cause a brain hemorrhage or a stroke.
The cause of arteriovenous malformation is still unknown, but if it is discovered, doctors can treat the condition fairly successfully. Let’s talk about this rare condition and who can help you combat it for good.
Symptoms of Arteriovenous Malformation
Patients with arteriovenous malformation report symptoms such as:
- Headaches
- Nausea
- Loss of vision
- Speech changes
- Vomiting
- Seizures
- Neurological issues
- Balance issues
- Weakness
- Numbness
- Loss of consciousness
With the disruption to the oxygen and blood flow, the surrounding tissues can weaken and burst. Arteries and veins that rupture result in internal bleeding, which damages the tissues.
Why AVMs Bleed
A lack of healthy blood flow will eventually cause the blood vessels to dilate, causing them to burst. A burst blood vessel has a 15% chance of resulting in death. For those who survive, there is a 30% chance that the burst blood vessel will cause permanent brain damage.
How Is an Arteriovenous Malformation Diagnosed?
AVMs are detected with a CT scan or an MRI. If you are experiencing symptoms associated with AVM, seek medical help immediately before it’s too late.
Treatment for b in Colorado
A neurosurgeon is a specialized doctor who regularly diagnoses and treats health conditions that involve the central nervous system, including arteriovenous malformations. Here at Front Range Spine and Neurosurgery, our board-certified neurosurgeons provide advanced nonsurgical and surgical treatments for a wide range of neurological and cranial conditions.
If you have any questions or would like to schedule a consultation with one of our outstanding neurosurgeons, contact our team at Front Range Spine and Neurosurgery today by calling us at (303) 790-1800. If you prefer, you can also fill out our convenient online form to request an appointment now. We have convenient locations from Denver to Colorado Springs, and we look forward to being your neurosurgical healthcare partner.
