What is a Brain AVM?
An arteriovenous malformation (AVM) is an abnormal tangle of blood vessels in the brain that connects arteries directly to veins, bypassing normal capillary circulation. AVMs can cause haemorrhage, seizures, or neurological deficits. Dr Simranjeet Singh at Dashvanth Healthcare Delhi – with fellowship in endovascular neurosurgery – provides comprehensive AVM management.
How AVMs Cause Problems
- Haemorrhage (Rupture): Annual rupture risk ~2–4%. Bleeding into brain causes sudden severe headache, neurological deficits, or loss of consciousness
- Seizures: Abnormal electrical activity from irritation of surrounding brain tissue
- Headaches: Chronic migraines
- Progressive Neurological Deficits: Steal phenomenon
Diagnosis
MRI brain (identifies AVM structure), CT angiography (quick vascular mapping), Digital Subtraction Angiography (DSA – gold standard, shows AVM feeding arteries, nidus, and draining veins), Grading by Spetzler-Martin scale (I–V).
Treatment Options
Microsurgical Resection
Complete surgical excision of the AVM nidus. Most effective for Spetzler-Martin Grade I–III AVMs in accessible locations. Offers immediate cure.
Stereotactic Radiosurgery (Gamma Knife/CyberKnife)
Focused radiation delivered to the AVM nidus. Gradual thrombosis over 2–3 years. Best for small (< 3cm) deep or eloquent area AVMs.
Endovascular Embolisation
Catheter-based occlusion of feeding arteries with liquid embolic agents (Onyx, n-BCA). Rarely curative alone, typically used before surgery or radiosurgery to reduce blood flow.
Multimodality Treatment
Often combines embolisation with surgery or radiosurgery for complex, high-grade AVMs.
Expert AVM treatment at Dashvanth Healthcare Delhi: 011-41670042
