Arteriovenous Malformations (AVM)
What is an AVM?
An arteriovenous malformation (AVM) is a group of twisted blood vessels that can stop normal blood flow in the brain. It’s something people are usually born with (a congenital condition) and is one of the most common causes of stroke in younger people.
How AVMs Are Diagnosed
At MyMichigan Health, we use advanced tools to find and diagnose AVMs. If your doctor thinks you may have one, they may send you to one of our board-certified neurosurgeons. Some tests your doctor might use include:
- MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) – Uses magnets and radio waves to look at your brain. It helps doctors see inside your head without surgery.
- CT Scan (Computerized Tomography) – A special kind of x-ray that gives clear pictures of your brain and blood vessels.
- Arteriogram – A test where a special dye is put into your blood. Then x-rays are taken to show your blood vessels more clearly.
- MRA (Magnetic Resonance Arteriogram) – Combines MRI and arteriogram features to get detailed images of blood flow in your brain.
Treatment Options
Treatment depends on your age, health, and the size and location of the AVM. Your doctor may recommend one or more of these::
- Embolization – TA doctor uses a thin tube (catheter) to reach the AVM through a blood vessel in your leg. A glue-like material is then used to block off the problem area.
- Surgery (Craniotomy)– A neurosurgeon opens the skull to carefully remove the AVM. This is often used when the AVM is easy to reach and causing serious problems.
