What is an arteriovenous malformation?
An arteriovenous malformation (AVM) is a condition where a group of tangled, abnormal blood vessels affect how blood flows between your arteries and veins. AVMs are most commonly found in the brain and spinal cord, but can also occur in other parts of the body.
Normally, arteries carry oxygen-rich blood from the heart to the body's tissues, and veins return the blood back to the heart and lungs. Tiny blood vessels called capillaries help with this process by slowing blood flow and allowing oxygen to reach nearby tissues. But in an AVM, the capillaries are missing, so blood moves too quickly from arteries to veins without delivering oxygen where it's needed. This can lead to tissue damage and, over time, may cause the AVM to grow larger.
Many people with an AVM in the brain or spinal cord don’t have noticeable symptoms. However, in some cases, the abnormal blood vessels can weaken and rupture, causing bleeding in the brain (a hemorrhage), which can lead to a stroke or other serious complications. AVMs are often found by chance during tests for other health conditions.
Arteriovenous malformation symptoms
AVM symptoms can develop at any age, but they are most often noticed in a person’s 20s or later. Because AVMs cause gradual damage over time, symptoms tend to appear as people get older. If no symptoms have developed by the late 40s or early 50s, the AVM is usually stable and less likely to cause problems. In some cases, pregnancy can trigger new or worsening symptoms due to increased blood volume and blood pressure.
The first signs of an arteriovenous malformation often show up after bleeding occurs. Along with bleeding, symptoms may include:
- Difficulty thinking or concentrating, which can get worse over time
- Headaches
- Feeling nauseous or vomiting
- Seizures
- Fainting
Other symptoms that may happen include:
- Weakness in the muscles, especially in the legs
- Paralysis, or the loss of movement and feeling in one part of the body
- Trouble with coordination, which can make walking difficult
- Difficulty with tasks that need planning or organization
- Back pain
- Dizziness or feeling off balance
- Vision problems, like losing part of your sight, trouble moving your eyes or swelling in the optic nerve
- Difficulty speaking or understanding language (aphasia)
- Numbness, tingling or sudden pain
- Memory problems or confusion
- Seeing or hearing things that aren't there (hallucinations)
When to see a doctor
If you experience any severe symptoms or if they come on suddenly, don't wait—call 911 or go to the emergency room right away. Symptoms like an intense headache, suddenly passing out or losing the ability to move can be signs of a serious problem, like bleeding in the brain, which could be caused by an AVM or other conditions.
Even if you do not have these symptoms, it's a good idea to talk to your healthcare provider if you have risk factors for AVMs or if there's a history of neurological conditions in your family. Catching an AVM early and staying on top of your health can help prevent complications and guide the right treatment.
Arteriovenous malformation causes
The exact cause of AVMs is not fully understood. Most of the time, AVMs are congenital, meaning a person is born with them, but they can also develop shortly after birth or later in life. While AVMs can sometimes run in families, it's more common for other inherited conditions to increase the risk of developing an AVM.
Complications of AVMs
AVMs can lead to a range of complications, some of which can be life-threatening. These include:
- Bleeding: The biggest danger is when an AVM ruptures and causes bleeding in the brain. If an AVM in the brain ruptures, the bleeding can cause sudden neurological problems, such as weakness, numbness, trouble speaking or vision loss. Depending on the size and location of the bleed, it may cause permanent brain injury or, in severe cases, be life-threatening.
- Stroke: Even without rupture, AVMs can reduce or block normal blood flow to brain tissue. This can deprive part of the brain of oxygen, causing symptoms of stroke, such as difficulty with movement, speech or thinking.
- Aneurysm: A bulge in the wall of a weakened blood vessel, which can increase the risk of a dangerous rupture.
- Seizures: AVMs can irritate nearby brain tissue, leading to seizures. These seizures are caused by abnormal electrical activity in the brain that disrupts communication between brain cells and can range from brief staring spells to convulsions.
- Progressive neurological problems: In some cases, AVMs cause long-term pressure or damage to the brain without rupturing. This may lead to chronic headaches, difficulty with memory or concentration and gradual loss of strength, sensation or coordination.
How to diagnose arteriovenous malformation
Your doctor may use several methods to diagnose an AVM, beginning with a review of your medical history and a physical exam. To confirm the diagnosis, your doctor may recommend imaging tests that can provide clear images of your blood vessels, organs, tissues and any signs of vascular issues or bleeding.
Medical history and exam
Your doctor will start by asking about your medical history, especially any inherited conditions that could raise your risk of an AVM. They’ll also want to know about the symptoms you’ve experienced—when they started, how often they occurred and how they felt.
During the physical exam, your doctor will check your overall health. They may use a stethoscope to listen for a sound in your blood vessels called a "bruit." A bruit is a whooshing sound that can occur when blood flows through arteries and veins more quickly than usual, which may happen in people with an AVM.
Imaging tests
Several imaging tests can help your doctor understand the structure and function of your blood vessels and confirm the presence of an AVM. These tests include:
- Cerebral angiography: This X-ray-based test involves injecting a contrast agent (dye) into an artery, which allows your blood vessels to show up clearly in the images. It provides detailed pictures of the AVM.
- Computed tomography (CT) scan: A CT scan uses X-rays to create 3D images and can help detect a brain or spinal cord bleed.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan: An MRI creates detailed images of the blood vessel defect and the surrounding organs and tissues.
- Magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) scan: This type of MRI focuses on blood flow and can show how well blood is moving through a vascular defect. A contrast dye may be used, but it’s not always necessary.
- Transcranial Doppler ultrasound: This test sends sound waves through your skull to produce images of the arteries. Doctors can use these images to identify blood vessel defects.
Arteriovenous malformation treatment
Your doctor will develop a personalized treatment plan based on factors that are unique to you, including the type of AVM you have, the risk of it rupturing, the severity of your symptoms, your age, and your overall health. Treatment options may include medications to help manage symptoms or a procedure to remove or shrink the tangle of blood vessels.
The main goal of treatment is to prevent a rupture or eliminate the AVM entirely. Early treatment can help protect you from serious complications. Some people may only need occasional imaging tests to monitor the AVM and adjust medications as needed. Not everyone with an AVM needs surgery, and in some cases, surgery may be riskier than leaving the AVM in place.
Medication
While medications can't remove an AVM, they can help you manage symptoms and improve your quality of life. Your doctor may prescribe medications such as:
- Anti-seizure medications: These are for people who experience seizures, which can be a common symptom of AVMs. By controlling seizures, these medications help ensure your safety and allow you to continue participating in daily activities.
- Blood pressure medications: High blood pressure can increase the risk of an AVM rupturing. Medications that lower blood pressure can help reduce this risk, supporting better vascular health and preventing complications.
- Pain relievers: If you experience pain due to the AVM, such as headaches or discomfort, your doctor may recommend over-the-counter or prescription pain medications to provide relief and improve your overall comfort.
Surgery
Your doctor may recommend surgery if the AVM is growing, at risk of rupturing, or in a position where it would be easy to remove without significant risk of complications. Surgical options include:
- AVM resection: This procedure involves removing the AVM through a small incision. To prevent bleeding during the procedure, nearby blood vessels are closed off. Once the AVM is removed, the surgeon reroutes blood flow through healthy arteries and veins. This approach can be highly effective for AVMs that are easily accessible and not too deeply embedded in the brain or spinal cord.
- Embolization: A surgeon will inject coils or a glue-like substance into the AVM. This material blocks blood flow to the group of tangled blood vessels, which causes the AVM to shrink over time. This approach is often used in combination with surgery to shrink the AVM before removal, making the surgery less complicated and safer.
- Radiosurgery: This treatment is often used for small AVMs that are hard to reach with traditional surgery. It uses focused radiation beams to precisely target the AVM. The radiation damages the blood vessels in the AVM, causing them to shrink and eventually close off. This process happens gradually, with the AVM shrinking over a period of months or even years. Since it’s noninvasive, radiosurgery can be an effective option for treating AVMs that are difficult to remove through surgery.
Find specialized AVM care near you
At Baylor Scott & White, we offer specialized care and treatment for arteriovenous malformations at multiple locations across North and Central Texas. With our expert neurology centers, you can receive care from a team dedicated to your health and well-being. Whether you're seeking diagnosis, treatment or ongoing management, we are here to provide the support you need.
AccentCare - Fort Worth
3880 Hulen St , Fort Worth, TX, 76107
Baylor Scott & White Advanced Heart Care - Idabel, OK
4 SE Avenue A , Idabel, OK, 74745
Baylor Scott & White Advanced Heart Care - Mt Pleasant (Satellite)
1011 N Jefferson Ave , Mt Pleasant, TX, 75455
Baylor Scott & White Advanced Heart Care - Paris
875 S Collegiate Dr , Paris, TX, 75462
Baylor Scott & White Cardiac Surgery - Longview
906 Judson Rd , Longview, TX, 75601
Baylor Scott & White Liver Consultants of Texas - Longview
906 Judson Rd , Longview, TX, 75601
- Monday: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
- Tuesday: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
- Wednesday: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
- Thursday: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
- Friday: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
Baylor Scott & White Advanced Heart Failure Clinic - Longview
906 Judson Rd , Longview, TX, 75601
Baylor Scott & White Advanced Heart Care - Sulphur Springs
601 Airport Rd Ste 110, Sulphur Springs, TX, 75482
Baylor Scott & White North Texas Colon and Rectal Associates - Sulphur Springs
601 Airport Rd Ste 110, Sulphur Springs, TX, 75482
Baylor Scott & White Advanced Heart Failure Clinic - Tyler
1321 S Beckham Ave , Tyler, TX, 75701
Baylor Scott & White Center for Advanced Surgery - Tyler
1321 S Beckham Ave , Tyler, TX, 75701
Baylor Scott & White Center for Thoracic Surgery - Tyler
1321 S Beckham Ave , Tyler, TX, 75702
Baylor Scott & White Liver Consultants of Texas - Tyler
1321 S Beckham Ave , Tyler, TX, 75701
Baylor Scott & White North Texas Colon and Rectal Associates - Tyler
1321 S Beckham Ave , Tyler, TX, 75701
Baylor Scott & White Cardiac Surgery - Tyler
1321 S Beckham Ave , Tyler, TX, 75701
Touchstone Imaging Tyler
2019 Old Troup Hwy , Tyler, TX, 75701
Baylor Scott & White Texas Spine & Joint Hospital
1814 Roseland Blvd Ste 100, Tyler, TX, 75701
Glen Oaks Hospital
301 Division St , Greenville, TX, 75401
Baylor Scott & White Surgical Hospital - Sherman
3601 N Calais St , Sherman, TX, 75090
Baylor Scott & White Urgent Care+ Sherman
4028 N Hwy 75 , Sherman, TX, 75090
- Monday: 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
- Saturday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Sunday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Texas Spine & Joint Hospital Urgent Care - Tyler
8101 S Broadway Ave , Tyler, TX, 75703
- Monday: 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
- Saturday: 8:00 am - 6:00 pm
Texas Vascular Associates - Greenville
4400 Interstate 30 Ste 300, Greenville, TX, 75402
Baylor Scott & White Spine & Scoliosis Center - Greenville
4400 I-30 W Ste 300, Greenville, TX, 75402
- Monday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
Baylor Scott & White Imaging Center - Greenville
4400 Interstate 30 W Ste 200, Greenville, TX, 75402
- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Outpatient Rehabilitation - Greenville
4400 Interstate 30 W Ste 120, Greenville, TX, 75402
- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Primary Care Associates Pediatrics - Greenville
4400 Interstate 30 W Ste 110, Greenville, TX, 75402
- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Cardiology Consultants of Texas - Greenville
4400 Interstate 30 W Ste 300, Greenville, TX, 75402
- Monday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Primary Care Associates - Greenville
4400 Interstate 30 W Ste 100, Greenville, TX, 75402
- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Gastroenterology - Greenville
4400 Interstate 30 W Ste 300, Greenville, TX, 75402
Baylor Scott & White Orthopedic Associates of Dallas - Greenville
4400 Interstate 30 W Ste 300, Greenville, TX, 75402
Baylor Scott & White Endoscopy Center - Sherman
1615 US-75 Ste B, Sherman, TX, 75090
Sherman Endoscopy Center
1615 N Hwy 75 , Sherman, TX, 75090
Baylor Scott & White Women's Care & Continence Center - Sherman
260 E Evergreen St , Sherman, TX, 75090
- Monday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Advanced Heart Care - Sherman Sycamore (Satellite)
203 E Sycamore St , Sherman, TX, 75090
Texas Vascular Associates - Sherman
230 E Sycamore St Ste 105, Sherman, TX, 75090
Baylor Scott & White Arrhythmia Management - Sherman
230 E Sycamore St Ste 205, Sherman, TX, 75090
Baylor Scott & White The Heart Group - Sherman
230 E Sycamore St Ste 205, Sherman, TX, 75090
Baylor Scott & White Advanced Heart Care – Sherman Highland (Satellite)
300 N Highland Ave , Sherman, TX, 75092
Baylor Scott & White Digestive Diseases Group - Sherman
204 Medical Dr Ste 240, Sherman, TX, 75092
Baylor Scott & White Primary Care - Van Alstyne
250 N Collin McKinney Pkwy , Van Alstyne, TX, 75495
- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Institute for Rehabilitation - Anna
601 S. Ferguson Pkwy Ste 100, Anna, TX, 75409
Baylor Scott & White Institute for Rehabilitation - Royse City
594 W Interstate 30 , Royse City, TX, 75189
- Monday: 7:00 am - 7:00 pm
- Tuesday: 7:00 am - 7:00 pm
- Wednesday: 7:00 am - 7:00 pm
- Thursday: 7:00 am - 7:00 pm
- Friday: 7:00 am - 7:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Advanced Heart Care - Anna
450 N Standridge Blvd , Anna, TX, 75409
Baylor Scott & White Digestive Diseases Group - Anna
450 N Standridge Blvd Ste 104, Anna, TX, 75409
Baylor Scott & White Primary Care Associates - Royse City
6257 FM 2642 Blvd Ste 100, Royse City, TX, 75189
- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Texas Cardiac Associates - Royse City
6257 FM 2642 Blvd Ste 100, Royse City, TX, 75189
Baylor Scott & White Surgical Institute - Royse City
6257 FM 2642 Blvd Ste 100, Royse City, TX, 75189
- Monday: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Institute for Rehabilitation - McKinney Red Bud
1705 W University Dr Ste 119, McKinney, TX, 75069
Baylor Scott & White Institute For Rehabilitation - McKinney Lake Forest
1705 W University Dr Ste 119, McKinney, TX, 75069
Baylor Scott & White Institute For Rehabilitation - McKinney University
1705 W University Dr Ste 119, McKinney, TX, 75069
Frequently asked questions
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Is arteriovenous malformation hereditary?
Arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) are usually present at birth, but they aren't typically passed down through families. While AVMs themselves aren't hereditary, certain genetic conditions can make it more likely for someone to develop an AVM. If there’s a family history of these conditions, you might be at a higher risk.
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Is arteriovenous malformation curable?
Yes, AVMs can often be treated successfully. Treatment options include surgery, embolization (for AVMs that are hard to reach), and radiosurgery (for larger AVMs). The right option depends on the AVM’s size and location. Some people may need follow-up treatments or regular check-ups to ensure the best results.
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Can arteriovenous malformation cause stroke?
Yes, arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) can cause strokes. If an AVM ruptures, it can lead to bleeding in the brain (hemorrhagic stroke). AVMs can also block blood flow, causing a stroke from lack of oxygen (ischemic stroke). The risk depends on factors like size, location and age.