CA
A 32-year-old member asked:
Describe the features of a brain arteriovenous malformation.?
3 doctor answers • 8 doctors weighed in

Dr. Bennett Werneranswered
Cardiology 45 years experience
Often none: Unless it leaks, there would be no symptoms in most cases. Leaking can cause intense headache or stroke-like symptoms such as focal weakness, loss of speech or vision. Avm discovered after a minor stroke can be corrected before a major stroke. Family history of avm may prompt investigation in someone with no symptoms.
6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Robert Singeranswered
Neurosurgery 30 years experience
Congenital: An avm is a congenital malformation of brain and possibly spinal blood vessels. They predispose those that have them to neurologic symptoms and, potentially, bleeding. A thorough neurosurgical evaluation is essentially if an avm is suspected.
6k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

Dr. William Singeranswered
Pediatric Neurology 52 years experience
Localized deficits: A brain AVM is a connection of arteries directly to veins, without going through capilaries. When the flow increases it can produce a 'steal' effect by taking blood from surrounding tissue, resulting in an abnormality of brain fuction controled by the area of the 'steal'. another manifestation is a result of bleeding of the aVM
2.7k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Last updated Jun 19, 2015
People also asked
Connect with a U.S. board-certified doctor by text or video anytime, anywhere.
24/7 visits - just $39!
50% off with $15/month membership
Disclaimer:
Content on HealthTap (including answers) should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and interactions on HealthTap do not create a doctor-patient relationship. Never disregard or delay professional medical advice in person because of anything on HealthTap. Call your doctor or 911 if you think you may have a medical emergency.