An arteriovenous malformation (AVM) is a defect that occurs between the arteries and veins. The condition affects the connection needed between these blood vessels and disrupts the flow of blood between them. An AVM is congenital, meaning patients are born with the defect and may not even know they have it until they reach adulthood or experience symptoms.

AVMs are most common in the brain or spine. A ruptured AVM needs urgent evaluation.

Treatments for an arteriovenous malformation include:

• Microsurgery to remove the AVM
• Stereotactic radiosurgery to gradually obliterate abnormal blood vessels
• Embolization to block blood flow to the AVM

Call the Virginia Mason Neuroscience Institute at (206) 341-0420 for more information.