Introduction

Arteriovenous Malformation (AVM) is a rare vascular condition where arteries and veins connect abnormally, forming a tangled network that disrupts normal blood flow and oxygen delivery. While AVMs can occur anywhere in the body, they are most serious when found in the brain or spinal cord. At Lumina Vein & Vascular Centre, Bangalore, under the care of our expert and leading vascular surgeon, patients receive advanced diagnosis and treatment for AVM with a focus on safety, precision, and long-term vascular health.

Causes

  • Congenital (present at birth): AVMs usually form during embryonic development.
  • Genetic factors: Rarely associated with inherited vascular disorders.
  • Unknown reasons: In many patients, the exact cause is not identified.

Signs & Symptoms

AVMs may remain silent for years until complications occur. When symptoms develop, they can include:

  • Brain AVMs:
    • Severe or persistent headaches
    • Seizures
    • Weakness, numbness, or paralysis in limbs
    • Difficulty speaking, vision problems, or loss of balance
  • Peripheral AVMs (limbs/skin):
    • Swelling, pain, or throbbing sensations
    • Visible pulsating mass
    • Ulceration or skin changes

Diagnosis

At Lumina Vein & Vascular Center, we use advanced diagnostic tools to identify and map AVMs:

  • MRI / CT scan – Detects bleeding and structural abnormalities.
  • Cerebral angiography (gold standard): Gives detailed images of blood vessels.
  • Doppler ultrasound: For AVMs in skin or extremities.
  • Neurological assessment: To evaluate deficits and risks.

Treatment Options

Treatment depends on the location, size, and risk of bleeding:

  • Observation: Small, low-risk AVMs may only need monitoring.
  • Medications: To control seizures or headaches.
  • Endovascular embolization: Minimally invasive catheter-based procedure to block abnormal vessels.
  • Stereotactic radiosurgery (Gamma Knife, CyberKnife): Focused radiation shrinks or closes the AVM.
  • Microsurgical resection: Surgical removal of the AVM for complete cure in selected cases.

At Lumina Vein and Vascular Centre our Vascular surgeon is specialized in minimally invasive and advanced vascular techniques, ensuring faster recovery and reduced complications.

Complications

If untreated, AVMs may cause:

  • Stroke or intracranial hemorrhage (bleeding in the brain)
  • Seizures
  • Permanent neurological damage (speech, vision, or movement problems)
  • Chronic pain or ulceration (in peripheral AVMs)
  • Life-threatening emergencies from massive bleeding

Why Choose Lumina Vein & Vascular Center?

  • Expertise of one of the Bangalore’s best vascular surgeons.
  • Cutting-edge diagnostics for accurate detection.
  • Minimally invasive treatments for faster recovery.
  • Patient-centric care with long-term follow-up.
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