Arteriovenous malformation

What is Arteriovenous Malformation?

Arteriovenous malformation (AVM) is a tangle of blood vessels that can develop anywhere in the body but is most commonly found in the brain and spinal cord. Normally, there is a network of capillaries between arteries and veins, which facilitates the exchange of gases and nutrients between brain tissues and blood. In the case of AVM, this capillary network is absent, and arteries connect directly to veins.

AVM can affect the brain in three ways:

• The brain tissue surrounding the AVM receives less oxygen and loses function.
• The AVM itself can directly compress or displace parts of the brain or spinal cord.
• The arteries or veins in the AVM can rupture, leading to bleeding in the brain or spinal cord.

What Are the Symptoms of Arteriovenous Malformation?

Common AVM symptoms include:

• Headaches
• Epilepsy (seizures)
• Weakness or paralysis in limbs (often on one side)
• Dizziness
• Speech difficulties
• Memory and cognitive impairment
• Pelvic organ dysfunction (in cases of spinal AVM)

These symptoms are nonspecific and can be associated with various conditions. Only about 12% of AVM patients experience symptoms. In women, symptoms may appear or worsen during pregnancy due to cardiovascular changes, increased blood volume, and higher blood pressure. The disease is considered congenital, but AVM is a dynamic condition that can grow and worsen over time. AVMs are most commonly detected between the ages of 10 and 40.

How Are Arteriovenous Malformations Diagnosed?

Since many patients do not exhibit symptoms, AVM is often diagnosed incidentally during imaging procedures such as CT or MRI scans, or after a hemorrhage and sudden deterioration in health. Patients experiencing the symptoms mentioned above should undergo an MRI scan. If AVM is detected, further detailed vascular imaging may be required—such as digital subtraction angiography (DSA)—to assess anatomy and treatment options.

If you or your loved one has been diagnosed with or suspects having an AVM, a neurosurgical consultation is necessary. We are happy to provide guidance and find the best possible solution for your situation.

When an in-person consultation is not possible, we also offer remote consultations via video call. You can schedule an appointment electronically or contact us via phone or email. Remote consultations should be arranged by reaching out to us directly.

Arteriovenous Malformation: What Are the Treatment Options?

The treatment approach for AVM always depends on its size and location within the brain. Based on these factors, brain AVMs are classified into five grades or three categories. A doctor may recommend one or a combination of the following treatment methods:

• Surgery – The AVM is removed using microsurgical techniques. If surgery is feasible for a particular case, it typically ensures complete cure and protection against rupture risks.
• Endovascular Embolization – A minimally invasive procedure where special glue or platinum coils are used to close AVM blood vessels or aneurysms. Rarely used as the sole treatment method; when applied alone, multiple treatment sessions may be required, increasing rupture risk between sessions. Only 15–50% of AVM cases can be completely closed using embolization. It is mostly used as an adjunct to surgical treatment or radiosurgery.
• Radiosurgery – A non-invasive procedure that focuses radiation on the AVM tangle. The treatment effect is not immediate; full AVM closure occurs in approximately 80% of patients within three years.
• Observation – Recommended when treatment risks outweigh the natural course of the disease.

If you are considering surgery with us, you can explore testimonials from both Latvian and international patients who have undergone treatment here.

Our clinical base, where surgeries and procedures are performed, is the modern and well-equipped Aiwa Clinic.