Symptoms
Brain arteriovenous malformations sometimes may not cause any signs or symptoms until it ruptures, resulting in brain bleeding (hemorrhage). In majority of cases, hemorrhage is the first sign of AVMs. In some cases, people with brain AVM may experience other signs and symptoms other than bleeding related to AVM.
Other signs of symptoms of brain AVM include:
– Seizures
– Headache or pain in one area of the head
– Muscle weaknesses or numbness in one part of the body
– Severe headache
– Weaknesses, numbness or paralysis
– Vision loss
– Difficulty speaking
– Confusion or inability to understand others
– Severe unsteadiness
AVM usually emerge between the ages of 10 and 40, experts also found males are more susceptible to AVM, another contributing part is family history (Genetic factor might also be possible) . Brain AVMs may damage brain tissues over time if not treated. The effects slowly build up and often cause symptoms for patients.
AVM Diagnosis
Physical and neurological exams can be performed to diagnose AVM but sometimes are not able find the problem. Computed tomography (CT) scans of the head, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), cerebral angiogram (Using contrast dye and X-ray to investigate brain’s blood flow), electroencephalogram (EEG to measure brain’s electrical activity) and magnetic resonance angiography (MRA – analyze blood vessels in brain) can help our physicians to obtain clearer picture.
AVM treatment options include:
– Gamma Knife sends focused radiation beams to the problem area and hopes to close the AVM down over period of time. Our teams in Gamma Knife Indonesia are regarded as one of the top practitioners who perform the treatment.
– Anticonvulsants may be prescribed for those people with seizures.
– Open brain surgery may be performed to remove the bad connection between arteries and veins.
– Embolization blocks blood flow in the AVM to reduce chances of bleeding
How do I know if Gamma Knife Treatment is right for me?
Complete the contact form or call Gamma Knife Centre Indonesia (+62-21-5460055 extension 2421/2422, +6281295100080) to set up consultation and receive more information.
Further readings
Diagnosis/Symptoms
– Catheter Angiography(Radiological Society of North America, American College of Radiology)
– CT Angiography (CTA)(Radiological Society of North America, American College of Radiology)
– MR Angiography (MRA)(Radiological Society of North America, American College of Radiology)
– Ultrasound — Vascular(Radiological Society of North America, American College of Radiology)
Treatments and Therapies
– Catheter Embolization(Radiological Society of North America, American College of Radiology)
– Gamma-Knife Radiosurgery(Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research)
– Intracranial Vascular Treatments(Radiological Society of North America, American College of Radiology)
