An arteriovenous malformation, also known as an AVM, is a tangle of blood vessels that creates irregular connections between arteries and veins. This disrupts blood flow and prevents tissues from receiving oxygen. An AVM can occur anywhere in the body, including in the brain.
A brain arteriovenous malformation (AVM) is a tangle of blood vessels that creates irregular connections between arteries and veins in the brain. Arteries take oxygen-rich blood from the heart to the brain. Veins carry oxygen-depleted blood back to the lungs and heart. A brain AVM disrupts this vital process.
Treatment Treatment of an arteriovenous malformation, also known as an AVM, depends on where it is found, your symptoms and the risks of treatment. Sometimes an AVM is monitored with regular imaging tests to watch for changes. Other AVMs require treatment.
Diagnosis To diagnose a brain arteriovenous malformation (AVM), your healthcare professional reviews your symptoms and conducts a physical exam. One or more tests may be used to diagnose brain AVM. Imaging tests are usually done by radiologists trained in brain and nervous system imaging, known as neuroradiologists.
A spinal arteriovenous malformation (AVM) is a tangle of blood vessels that forms on, in or near the spinal cord. This creates irregular connections between arteries and veins. Without treatment, this rare condition can cause lasting damage to the spinal cord. Oxygen-rich blood enters the spinal cord through arteries. The arteries usually branch into smaller blood vessels called capillaries ...
Brain AVM care at Mayo Clinic Your Mayo Clinic care team At Mayo Clinic, neurologists, neurosurgeons, neuroradiologists and other specialists work together as a multidisciplinary team to provide expert, individualized care to every person with a brain AVM. This means that you're not just getting one opinion — you benefit from the knowledge and experience of each specialist.