Living with Cerebral arteriovenous malformation
An abnormal tangle of brain blood vessels, often causing few symptoms but sometimes seizures or headaches.
Understanding Cerebral arteriovenous malformation
Most people with brain or spinal AVMs have few, if any, major symptoms. About 12 percent have symptoms that vary a lot in severity. Seizures and headaches are the most common. AVMs can sometimes cause bleeding in the brain. Symptoms can appear at any age.
Signs & symptoms
Symptoms vary from person to person. GARD lists these among the most common:
- Seizures
- Headache
- Bleeding in the brain
- Changes in thinking (cognitive impairment)
- Memory problems
- Abnormal brain blood vessels
Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.
Diagnosis
- 1Talk with your doctor
Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.
- 2See a specialist
Specialists who may be involved include brain and nervous system specialists and genetic specialists.
- 3Ask which tests can help
Your care team will decide which exams and tests can confirm the diagnosis.
- 4Connect with expert centers
AVM Alliance may keep lists of experts for this condition.
Care & treatment
- Care team
- Brain and nervous system specialists (neurologists); Genetic specialists (geneticists)
- Expert care
- Expert lists: AVM Alliance
- Treatment
- GARD doesn't list specific treatments for this condition. Your care team will tailor care to your symptoms.
- Research
- Clinical trials and observational studies may be options. See the research section below.
General information, not medical advice. Your care team makes the decisions.
Everyday life
Living with a rare condition is easier with support.
- Connect with AVM Alliance and other patient organizations
- Keep notes on symptoms, changes and questions for appointments
- Ask about patient registries that help research
- Look into financial aid and travel resources for care visits
Quick facts
GARD says changes in genes cause this condition, but doesn't list a specific gene or how it is inherited.
Also known as: arteriovenous malformation of the brain, somatic; arteriovenous malformations; arteriovenous malformations of the brain; avm - cerebral arteriovenous malformation; bavm; cerebral arteriovenous malformations
Patient organizations
- AVM AllianceCerebral arteriovenous malformation · United States
- The Aneurysm and AVM FoundationCerebral arteriovenous malformation · United States
You are more than your diagnosis
Perspectives from people navigating life with Cerebral arteriovenous malformation.
Explore research for Cerebral arteriovenous malformation
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