What are the other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)

• Intracranial AVM

What is Intracranial Arteriovenous Malformation? (Definition/Background Information)

• Intracranial Arteriovenous Malformations (AVMs) are abnormal connections between the arteries and veins in the brain
• The cause of AVMs is not yet well understood but it is believed that AVMs result from mistakes that occur during embryonic or fetal development. 
• Most people with brain or spinal AVMs experience few, if any, major symptoms. About 12 percent of people with this condition experience symptoms that vary greatly in severity. Seizures and headaches are the most common symptoms of AVMs but individuals can also experience a wide range of other neurological symptoms
• Intracranial Arteriovenous Malformations can cause hemorrhage (bleeding) in the brain, which can be fatal. Symptoms can appear at any age, but are most often noticed when people are in their twenties, thirties, or forties
• Medication is used to treat general symptoms such as headache, back pain, and seizures caused by AVMs. However, the best treatment for Intracranial Arteriovenous Malformations is often surgery or sterotactic radiosurgery

(Source: Intracranial Arteriovenous Malformation; Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center (GARD) of National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS), USA.)

Who gets Intracranial Arteriovenous Malformation? (Age and Sex Distribution)

• Intracranial Arteriovenous Malformation is a rare congenital disorder. The presentation of symptoms may occur at any age
• However, in most cases, the affected individuals exhibit signs and symptoms in their 20s, 30s or 40s. It is estimated that approximately 12% of those affected are symptomatic
• Both males and females may be affected
• Worldwide, individuals of all racial and ethnic groups may be affected

What are the Risk Factors for Intracranial Arteriovenous Malformation? (Predisposing Factors)

• A positive family history may be an important risk factor for Intracranial Arteriovenous Malformation in rare cases
• Currently, no other risk factors have been clearly identified for this condition

It is important to note that having a risk factor does not mean that one will get the condition. A risk factor increases one’s chances of getting a condition compared to an individual without the risk factors. Some risk factors are more important than others.

Also, not having a risk factor does not mean that an individual will not get the condition. It is always important to discuss the effect of risk factors with your healthcare provider.

What are the Causes of Intracranial Arteriovenous Malformation? (Etiology)

• The cause of Intracranial Arteriovenous Malformation is not yet well understood
• It is believed that arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) result from mistakes that occur during embryonic or fetal development

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Intracranial Arteriovenous Malformation?

Intracranial Arteriovenous Malformation may be asymptomatic, or present with the following signs and symptoms, which may vary in type and severity among affected individuals:

• Headaches
• Back pain
• Seizures

How is Intracranial Arteriovenous Malformation Diagnosed?

Intracranial Arteriovenous Malformation is diagnosed on the basis of the following information:

• Complete physical examination
• Thorough medical history evaluation
• Assessment of signs and symptoms
• Laboratory tests
• Imaging studies
• Biopsy studies, if necessary

Many clinical conditions may have similar signs and symptoms. Your healthcare provider may perform additional tests to rule out other clinical conditions to arrive at a definitive diagnosis.

What are the possible Complications of Intracranial Arteriovenous Malformation?

The complications of Intracranial Arteriovenous Malformation may include:

• Risk of falls and injury due to seizures
• Brain hemorrhage

Complications may occur with or without treatment, and in some cases, due to treatment also.

How is Intracranial Arteriovenous Malformation Treated?

There is no cure for Intracranial Arteriovenous Malformation, since it is a genetic condition.

• The treatment is usually given to manage the signs and symptoms and any complication that develops
• Treatment methods may include surgical excision of the malformation or stereotactic radiosurgery

How can Intracranial Arteriovenous Malformation be Prevented?

• Currently, no methods or guidelines are available for the prevention of Intracranial Arteriovenous Malformation 
• Active research is currently being performed to explore the possibilities for treatment and prevention of disorders such as Intracranial Arteriovenous Malformation 
• Regular medical screening at periodic intervals with tests and physical examinations are recommended

What is the Prognosis of Intracranial Arteriovenous Malformation? (Outcomes/Resolutions)

• The prognosis of Intracranial Arteriovenous Malformation is dependent upon the severity of the signs and symptoms and associated complications, if any
• Individuals with mild conditions have better prognosis than those with severe symptoms and complications
• If complications, such as bleeding within the brain occur, it may lead to undesirable outcomes, and the individual may succumb to such complications
• Typically, the prognosis may be assessed on a case-by-case basis

Additional and Relevant Useful Information for Intracranial Arteriovenous Malformation:

The following DoveMed website link is a useful resource for additional information:

http://www.dovemed.com/diseases-conditions/rare-disorders/