1. The structure and awareness of Arteriovenous Malformation

2. Arteriovenous Malformation Arteriovenous malformation abbreviated AVM is a disorder of veins and arteries and is more common in the brain but can occur in any location of the body. AVM is an abnormal connection between veins and arteries, usually congenital. It occurs when a tangle of blood vessels (nidus) in the brain or on its surface bypasses normal brain tissue and directly diverts blood from the arteries to the veins.

3. AVM True arteriovenous malformation (AVM) which is the most common brain vascular malformation. It consists of a tangle of abnormal vessels connecting arteries and veins with no normal intervening brain tissue

4. Symptoms The most common symptoms are headache and seizures. Other symptoms that are associated with this disorder are vertigo, muscle weakness, paralysis, numbness, tingling, pain, memory problems, difficulty with speech and communication.

5. Treatment Surgery is used if there is a bled to the AVM and the malformation can be easily assessed. Stereotactic radiosurgery is used if the AVM cannot be reached and is not too large. Embolization can be used to cut off blood supply to the AVM by coils, particles, or glue by inserting a radiographic guided catheter. This treatment is mostly effective on small malformations.

6. Types of AVM True arteriovenous malformation (AVM) which is the most common brain vascular malformation. The Occult or cryptic AVM or cavernous malformations is a vascular malformation in the brain that doesn’t actively divert large amounts of blood. It may bleed and often produce seizures. The Venous malformationis an abnormality only of the veins. Hemangioma’s are abnormal blood vessel structures usually found at the surface of the brain and on the skin or facial structures.

7. Hemangioma Hemangioma’s are abnormal blood vessel structures usually found at the surface of the brain and on the skin or facial structures. These represent large and abnormal pockets of blood within normal tissue planes of the body.

8. Statistics Per the American Heart Association brain AVMs occur in less than 1 percent of the general population and estimated that about one in 200–500 people may have an AVM. Malformations are more common in males than in females Brain AVM’s is at risk for bleeding. Brain AVM bleeding is 1 percent to 3 percent per year and over 15 years, the total chance of an AVM bleeding into the brain — causing brain damage and stroke — is 25 percent (American Heart Association). There is a 10-15 percent risk of death, and a 20-30 percent chance of permanent brain damage, related to each bleed. About 5-10% of AVM’s will be detected by incidental findings.

9. Conclusion AVM is a very serious disorder that affects both male and female gender; it can be fatal if not treated immediately. This disorder is rare but has become more common in the past several years. Even through most people develop this malformation at birth it can occur at any time during lifespan and should be treated as soon as possible.