Arteriovenous Malformations — abnormal connections between arteries and veins in the brain — are rare, but can be life-threatening if bleeding occurs. AVMs are often found when they cause headaches, seizures or other neurological dysfunctions. Cerebral arteriovenous abnormalities also may cause hemorrhage and stroke.
SSM Neurosciences Institute physicians treat AVMs with a combination of:
- blockage of the abnormal vessels with an epoxy substance using catheter-based techniques
- focused radiation
- surgery