Brain Arteriovenous Malformations

The human brain is undoubtedly the most delicate part of the body, especially the brain’s blood vessels. They are designed to follow a definite pattern to ensure normal functioning of the brain. These blood vessels also ensure that every part of the brain receives adequate nourishment. Now imagine a disturbance in this flow. In a nutshell, this disturbance is what we call Brain Arteriovenous Malformations (AVMs). A condition where the brain’s blood vessels are disturbed, creating a tangle of arteries and veins.

Thankfully, with developments in medical science, such conditions can now be treated. Before stepping into a surgery, you must understand what Brain Arteriovenous Malformations (AVMs) are, how they affect your brain, AVM surgery options, and more.

What are Brain Arteriovenous Malformations (AVMs)?

Brain Arteriovenous Malformations (AVMs) are a type of rare brain condition where the arteries and veins become tangled, impacting normal brain functioning.

Let’s simplify this for you: Imagine your brain’s vascular system as an organised space with arteries and veins. These arteries and veins are given specific roles. For instance, arteries bring oxygen-rich blood to the brain and the  veins, they drain the deoxygenated blood back to the heart. When these arteries and veins get tangled and connected directly, without the usual capillary system, the normal functioning of the brain becomes difficult. This is called brain AVMs.

How Do They Develop?

Since this is a serious brain condition, it is obvious that you would want to know the exact reason behind its development. Unfortunately, despite much research, the exact brain arteriovenous malformation causes are not completely understood. However, in most cases, it has been observed that AVMs are either congenital or hereditary.

What Are the Symptoms of Brain Arteriovenous Malformations (AVMs)?

Unlike other brain concerns, Arteriovenous Malformations (AVMs) have generally been observed to remain silent, i.e. not show evident signs and symptoms for initial years. It is only in the much later years, when AVMs start causing stress on the surrounding brain tissues or rupture, that a patient can notice some signs and symptoms.

However, to give you an idea, some common symptoms of brain AVMs include headache, seizure, vision disturbances, muscle weakness or numbness, loss of balance or coordination, and difficulty with speech or comprehension.

Did You Know that in almost 50% of the cases of brain AVMs, patients have observed their first symptom in the form of a brain haemorrhage? This often leads to a sudden and severe headache or several other neurological deficits.

Understanding the Potential Complications of Brain AVMs

Brain AVMs are a serious condition also because they come with potential complications and risks that need to be treated at the earliest stage. Before getting into the treatment options, let’s understand the potential complications and risks of brain AVMs.

Since under the condition of the brain AVMs development, these abnormal brain vessels lack the structural strength of normal arteries and veins, they become more prone to rupture. This often leads to:

• The annual risk of bleeding becomes 2 to 3%.
• In case of a previous bleeding due to an AVM, the annual bleeding risk percentage increases.
• Long-term neurological symptoms are caused by the constant chronic pressure on the brain tissue.
• Several other minor neurological issues.
• Permanent disability or even death in severe conditions.

What Are the Treatment Options for Brain AVMs?

Usually, treatment options include surgical removal of the brain AVM. Treating a brain AVM firstly requires understanding the condition and creating a tailored approach for the specific condition. 

Some common treatment options include:

• Microsurgical Resection: Microsurgical resection is a common treatment option that is usually performed for immediate resolution. This is an open skull brain surgery, where your neurosurgeon gently removes the AVM through an opening in the skull. However, the microsurgical resection is usually not advised if the AVM is located in a deep or critical brain area, as it might result in certain risks.
• Endovascular Embolisation : Endovascular embolisation, also known as endovascular treatment for AVM,  is a minimally invasive procedure that is performed using a catheter. Your neurosurgeon uses a catheter that is threaded through the blood vessels to the AVM. After reaching the desired area, a substance is injected to block the normal vessel. This helps reduce the blood flow and also shrinks the AVM.
• Stereotactic Radiosurgery: Stereotactic radio surgery is a non-invasive procedure. Here, focused radiations are used to target the AVM, which helps the vessels to thicken and close over time. This type of surgery is generally suitable for small, hard-to-reach AVMs, but it requires time and precision to give effective results.

Living with Brain AVMs: What Does It Feel Like?

Getting diagnosed with a brain AVM can be daunting at first. However, you should know that advances in  imaging techniques and advanced surgery options have helped many patients manage brain AVMs and live an active life.

Since brain AVMs are considered a serious condition, we urge you not to ignore any of the signs and symptoms as discussed above. Book yourself a consultation at Dr Arun Karthik’s clinic to get a detailed diagnosis.

Book A Consultation Today for An Early Diagnosis and Treatment

Now that you understand that brain AVMs are intricate and can pose a significant health risk, it is best not to ignore any signs or symptoms. At Dr Arun Karthik’s clinic, we first try to understand the nature, location, and severity of the brain AVM. Post that, a customised treatment plan is offered that is best suited to manage that specific kind of brain AVM.

You can either book your consultation online or simply walk into our clinic for brain AVM treatment in Jabalpur.