Most arteriovenous malformations occur in the brain or spine. The cause of brain AVMs is not known and many believe that they are present at birth. Because of this, a diagnosis of AVM might be a surprising or confusing one.

Adding to the surprise is the fact that brain AVMs may not cause any symptoms until the AVM ruptures. If you do experience signs of AVM, some of the early, more minor symptoms, like dizziness, headaches, or visual disturbances, may seem to overlap with those of other illnesses, so it is important to get the correct diagnosis to find the right treatment.

At Akumin, we have physicians that are experienced in effectively treating AVMs with a special type of radiation therapy, known as Radiosurgery or Stereotactic Radiosurgery. Let our radiation oncologists treat your AVM and help prevent any future risks to your health.

Arteriovenous malformation (AVM) is an abnormal connection between arteries and veins, usually in the brain or spine. The arteries are responsible for taking oxygen-rich blood from the heart to the brain and veins carry the oxygen-depleted blood back to the lungs and heart. A brain AVM disrupts this vital process. An AVM can occur anywhere in the body, but brain and spinal AVMs present substantial risks when they bleed. The cause of brain AVMs is not known and many believe that they are present at birth.

Treatment options for AVMs depend on their size and location in the body. A special type of radiation therapy, known as Radiosurgery or Stereotactic Radiosurgery, is an effective treatment for many AVMs. During radiation treatment, a narrow x-ray beam is focused on the AVM such that a high dose is concentrated on the AVM with a much lower dose delivered to the rest of the brain. After the procedure, the vessels will gradually degenerate over a period of months, eventually closing the AVM, resolving the issue, and eliminating the risk of hemorrhage or stroke.