Intracranial AVM

**Intracranial Arteriovenous Malformation (AVM)**

An intracranial arteriovenous malformation (AVM) is a congenital tangle of abnormal blood vessels connecting arteries and veins in the brain. This vascular abnormality disrupts normal blood flow, potentially leading to life-threatening complications such as hemorrhage, stroke, or seizures.

**Symptoms**

* Headaches
* Seizures
* Focal neurological deficits (e.g., weakness, numbness)
* Progressive cognitive impairment

**Diagnosis**

* Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
* Computed tomography angiography (CTA)
* Digital subtraction angiography (DSA)

**Treatment**

Treatment options for intracranial AVMs include:

* Endovascular embolization
* Radiosurgery
* Surgery

**Risk Factors**

* Family history
* Rendu-Osler-Weber syndrome
* Traumatic brain injury

**Complications**

* Hemorrhage (bleeding)
* Ischemic stroke
* Seizure disorders
* Neurocognitive deficits

**Prognosis**

Prognosis depends on several factors, including AVM location, size, and treatment response. Early diagnosis and timely management are crucial to improve outcomes.