Arteriovenous Malformation

Overview

An Arteriovenous Malformation (AVM) is an abnormal tangle of arteries and veins that bypasses the usual capillary network. Because blood flows through an AVM at high pressure, the vessels can stretch and rupture, leading to serious bleeding in the brain or spinal cord.

At The Royal Buckinghamshire Hospital, Aylesbury you have rapid access to specialist imaging, consultant-led treatment plans and ongoing neurological rehabilitation—all without NHS waiting lists.

Why It Matters — Future Health Risks

• Haemorrhagic Stroke – rupture of an AVM causes sudden bleeding in the brain and is a leading cause of intracerebral haemorrhage in people under 45.
• Seizures And Epilepsy – electrical irritation from the malformation can trigger recurrent fits.
• Progressive Weakness Or Numbness – slow-growing spinal or cerebral AVMs may compress vital tissue.
• Headache And Migraine-Like Pain – high-pressure shunts alter normal blood flow and can provoke chronic headache.
• Cognitive Decline – repeated tiny bleeds sometimes lead to memory or concentration problems over time.

Early diagnosis allows targeted treatment to prevent life-changing complications.

Symptoms You Might Notice

• Sudden, severe headache described as a “thunderclap”
• New seizure or unexplained loss of consciousness
• Weakness, numbness or difficulty speaking that comes on quickly
• Pulsing noise in one ear or behind the eye
• Visual disturbances such as flashing lights or blurred patches
• Gradually worsening back pain or limb weakness (spinal AVM)

Some AVMs remain silent until they bleed, underscoring the value of screening when symptoms or family history raise concern.

Common Causes And Risk Factors

• Congenital vessel-development errors present from birth
• Close family member with an AVM or hereditary haemorrhagic telangiectasia
• Previous brain injury or infection (rare)
• Age under 50—bleeds often happen in younger adults
• High blood pressure, which can stress fragile vessel walls

When To Seek Urgent Help

Call 999 or visit the nearest emergency department if you experience:

• Sudden worst-ever headache
• New seizure or unexplained collapse
• Rapid speech difficulty, facial droop or limb weakness

For non-emergency concerns—persistent headaches, mild neurological changes or strong family history—phone 01296 678 800 to arrange a direct consultation.

How We Diagnose And Monitor AVM

1. Specialist Neurological Consultation – full history, neurological examination and risk assessment in our Neurology Department.
2. Contrast-Enhanced CT Angiography – high-resolution imaging in our on-site CT Suite to map the malformation and identify any bleed.
3. Digital Subtraction Angiography (DSA) – arranged swiftly when detailed vessel mapping is required for treatment planning.
4. Multidisciplinary Case Review – neurologists, interventional radiologists, anaesthetists and rehabilitation specialists meet weekly to agree your personalised plan.
5. Regular Surveillance Scans – follow-up CT angiography schedules are created to monitor untreated or partially treated AVMs.

Treatment And Ongoing Support

• Endovascular Embolisation – a catheter delivers glue or coils to seal feeding vessels and shrink the AVM.
• Microsurgical Resection – open removal may be recommended for accessible lesions with low surgical risk; we coordinate with regional neurosurgical centres when necessary.
• Stereotactic Radiosurgery – a focused radiation dose gradually closes small or deep AVMs over 12–24 months.
• Blood-Pressure Optimisation – strict control lowers the chance of spontaneous rupture.
• Anti-Seizure Medication – started promptly if fits occur.
• Neurological Rehabilitation – our Stroke Rehabilitation team provides physiotherapy, occupational therapy and speech-and-language support to aid recovery after a bleed or procedure.

Your consultant explains the benefits and risks of each option so you can make an informed decision.

Why Choose The Royal Buckinghamshire Hospital?

• Rapid Imaging – CT angiography performed on site, usually within 48 hours of referral.
• Consultant-Delivered Care – every appointment is led by senior specialists in neurology and interventional radiology.
• Integrated Pathway – diagnostics, intervention planning and rehabilitation under one roof.
• Comfort And Convenience – private ensuite rooms, free on-site parking and easy links from Oxford, Milton Keynes and London.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can An AVM Go Away On Its Own?
Spontaneous closure is rare. Most AVMs persist and may enlarge, so ongoing monitoring is essential.

Is Treatment Always Necessary?
Not always. Small, symptom-free AVMs can sometimes be observed, but regular scans and blood-pressure control are vital.

Will I Need More Than One Procedure?
Complex AVMs often require staged treatment—for example, initial embolisation followed by surgery or radiosurgery—to achieve complete closure.

Take The Next Step

Protect your brain and reduce stroke risk today. Call 01296 678 800 or enquire online to book your consultation.