ArterioVenous Malformation

 

 

 

• An AVM is a congenital malformation, a tangle of blood vessels consisting of veins and arteries:
 
• These malformations occur very early in pregnancy (2nd to 3rd week), when the vascular bed is constructed.

• Because the malformations remain present they may, in the course of life, give rise to a brain hemorrhage. This is known as secondary brain hemorrhage; stroke by vascular abnormalities.

 
• A rupture of a blood vessel by a bulge (aneurysm) belongs to the secundary stroke, so caused by vascular abnormalities.

 
• The AVM, vascular malformation, may also be revealed by an epileptic seizure.

• It can also remain undetected all life.

• Approximately three-quarters of the cases will benefit from surgery.

• When the tangle is located too deep, is too big or too inaccessible, it is not possible to operate without damage.

• For such tangles a special radiation is possible. For more information see the website:   Toronto Brain Vascular Malformation Study Group

• In the Netherlands, a Facebook group has been set up for people suffering from AVM: AVM Netherlands

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Resources: Sources: J.B.M. Kuks, J. W. Pike, H.J.G.H. Oosterhuis. Clinical Neurology 15th Edition, Bohn Stafleu Of Loghum, Wood, 2003, Heart Foundation, Dutch Society for Neurology, www.neurologie.nl, heart hand, codex physician tenth pressure, cerebral Foundation Netherlands, Dutch Association of Neurosurgeons, Heliomare, neurochirugen zwolle, http :/ / www.nvvn.org / patient info / cer avm.php.