Arteriovenous Malformations

Children who are born with arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) may not experience symptoms for many years. In fact, symptoms may occur anywhere between age 10 and 40.

Symptoms, however, can occur at any age, as in the most severe forms of the disease, called a Vein of Galen Malformation. This condition may cause symptoms at birth or very soon after. Symptoms may include swelling of the brain, seizures, failure to thrive, congestive heart failure and swollen veins.

Each child may experience symptoms differently, depending on the location of the AVM. Some of the most common symptoms include:

• Abnormal sensations, such as numbness, tingling or spontaneous pain
• Dizziness
• Headache, varying in severity, duration and intensity
• Loss of coordination, known as ataxia

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The following tests may be used to determine if your child has an arteriovenous malformation (AVM) as well as to help identify its size, location and blood-flow pattern.

• Angiogram — This is an important test in the diagnosis of AVM and involves a special X-ray exam that enables a radiologist, a doctor who specializes in understanding and interpreting X-rays, to study your child's blood vessels. The radiologist will insert a small tube, called a catheter, into the blood vessel and then inject a special dye that makes the vessels visible on the X-rays. This will allow the radiologist to observe how the blood travels through the blood vessels of the brain. The procedure takes about one hour.
• Computed Tomography (CT) — A CT scan is a method of body imaging in which a thin X-ray beam rotates around the patient. It can be used to detect the presence of blood in the brain.
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) — An MRI scan can detect if there is blood in the brain. It is a non-invasive procedure that uses powerful magnets and radio waves to construct pictures of the body.

Our experts — among the best in the world — will work with you and your family to develop the best possible treatment plan for your child. This team includes a neurologist, neurosurgeon, interventional neuroradiologist and radiation oncologist.

Because arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) are one of the leading causes of debilitating hemorrhagic strokes in young people, the goal of treatment is to reduce the risk of stroke. Today, there are many safe and highly effective therapies. These include surgery, radiation therapy, embolization and radiosurgery using a machine called a Gamma Knife.

• Surgery — In many cases, surgery may be recommended to completely remove your childs AVM. In addition to conventional brain surgery, advanced, minimally invasive surgical techniques are available.

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