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KEY POINTS
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An arteriovenous malformation (AVM) is a rare problem with arteries and veins that are tangled and connected abnormally. An AVM can happen anywhere in the body but usually is found in the brain or spinal area, in one spot or rarely, in more than one spot.
With normal circulation:
An AVM often skips the capillaries. The arteries and veins connect directly with each other in an abnormal tangle, and blood enters the veins at high pressure. This can cause these blood vessels to leak or burst.
An AVM can be small or large, and it can get larger over time. Depending on the size and location, an AVM can be serious because it can bleed and damage the tissue around it. It can also grow large enough to put pressure on the tissue around it. The tissue is damaged when it does not get enough blood and oxygen.
If bleeding happens in the brain, it is a type of stroke. The part of the brain that loses its blood supply stops working. You may have trouble using the part of the body that is controlled by the part of the brain that is damaged.
A small amount of bleeding may cause little damage. Bigger bleeds can cause serious brain damage and sometimes death.
The exact cause of an AVM is not known. It may be something that your child is born with, or it may appear later in life.
Your child may not have symptoms of an AVM in the brain unless it bleeds. If your child does have symptoms, they may include:
Your child may have symptoms of a stroke if the AVM bleeds into the brain suddenly or if the AVM is large and reduces blood flow in the brain. Call 911 for emergency help right away if your child has symptoms of a stroke such as a change in alertness, headache, seizures, sudden vomiting, weakness, or cannot speak or move.
Symptoms of an AVM in the spinal or back area that begins to bleed suddenly may include:
Stroke and spinal AVM are medical emergencies. Call for help right away.
In a child, an AVM is usually found after it bleeds into the brain. Your child’s healthcare provider will ask about your child’s symptoms and medical history and examine your child. Tests may include:
Treatment depends on the location of the AVM, the size, and your child’ symptoms. It may include:
If your child has active bleeding in the brain or spinal area, your child will need to stay in the hospital. Your child’s treatment may include a procedure to try to stop the bleeding and fix the blood vessels causing the problem, or surgery to remove a blood clot.
Follow the full course of treatment prescribed by your child’s healthcare provider. Ask your provider:
Make sure you know when your child should come back for a checkup. Keep all appointments for provider visits or tests.