Arteriovenous malformations
Arteriovenous malformations (pronunciation: ar-teer-e-o-ve-nus mal-for-may-shuns) are defects in the vascular system, specifically in the blood vessels. They are complex, snarled tangles of arteries and veins.
Etymology
The term Arteriovenous malformations is derived from the words arterio (pertaining to arteries), venous (pertaining to veins), and malformations (abnormal formations).
Overview
Arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) are typically congenital, meaning they are present at birth. They can occur anywhere in the body, but are most commonly found in the brain or spine. AVMs disrupt the normal process of blood flow. Normally, arteries carry oxygen-rich blood from the heart to the brain, and veins carry oxygen-depleted blood back to the lungs and heart. A brain AVM disrupts this vital process.
Symptoms
Symptoms of arteriovenous malformations vary based on the location of the AVM. They may include headache, seizure, weakness, numbness, vision loss, difficulty speaking, difficulty understanding, and loss of coordination.
Related Terms
- Hemorrhage: Bleeding caused by ruptured blood vessels, often associated with AVMs.
- Embolization: A treatment method for AVMs that involves blocking the blood vessels feeding the AVM.
- Radiosurgery: A treatment method for AVMs that uses focused radiation to damage the blood vessels in the AVM.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Arteriovenous malformations
- Wikipedia's article - Arteriovenous malformations
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