Cerebral arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) are irregular networks of veins and arteries in the brain. Stereotactic radiosurgery is one method of treatment to avoid or treat an AVM rupture, which can cause blood to leak in the brain and may lead to a hemorrhagic stroke. AVMs in the brain can also reroute blood from the necessary tissue, which may cause neurological damage. Blood that pools in the brain may also compress healthy brain tissue, which can lead to seizures.
Although AVMs are generally congenital and present at birth, they often are not discovered for many years. An arteriovenous malformation can also develop in the spine or other areas in the body.
Brain arteriovenous malformations have three types of treatment methods.
Embolization is an endovascular technique that involves occluding (blocking) some or all of the AVM with a glue-like material. Embolization may be used as part of a preoperative procedure to help make the surgical removal of the AVM safer by reducing the potential blood loss during surgery. Embolization may also be used to shrink the AVM so that it is smaller and better able to be treated with stereotactic radiosurgery.
Surgical removal of the AVM employs microneurosurgical techniques to resect the AVM. Once removed, the AVM does not return. However, whether your AVM is a good candidate for microsurgical resection depends on a number of factors including the size, the location, and the site of the venous drainage.
Radiosurgery for AVM is generally a one-time treatment for smaller AVMs, but may require several sessions for larger AVMs. This alternative to invasive surgery uses x-ray or gamma-ray beams with pinpoint accuracy to target the malformation. Results are not immediate and can take up to 2 or 3 years to see complete occlusion of the vessels. During this time, the AVM may still be at risk for bleeding.
Radiosurgery is often a one-time treatment that shrinks the AVM by constricting the blood flow to the malformation.
Your specific AVM treatment plan may involve a blend of these techniques.
NSPC’s expert physicians are here in our Long Island, NY centers to provide leading-edge radiosurgical options for AVMs and other brain and spine conditions. Make an appointment with a specialist at one of our New York locations—and find out if this state-of-the-art treatment can help you.
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