What happens if AVM is not treated

measqu

Active member
Hello everyone,

I'm hoping to get some advice and support from this forum. I'm wondering about what happens if an arteriovenous malformation (AVM) is not treated. My friend recently found out he has an AVM, and I'm worried that if he doesn't get it treated he could be in danger. Can anyone share their experiences or knowledge about this? Are there any risks? What should he do?

I would really appreciate any help or advice anyone could offer.
 

MindMapper

Global Mod
Staff member
Global Mod
What is AVM?

Arteriovenous malformation (AVM) is a congenital defect of the circulatory system in which disorganized arteries and veins form a tangled mass near the skin's surface. AVM can occur anywhere in the body, but is most commonly found in the brain and spinal cord.

What are the Symptoms of AVM?

Most people with AVM do not experience any symptoms. However, if the AVM is located in an area that affects brain or spinal cord function, it can cause a variety of symptoms, including:

• headaches

• seizures

• numbness or tingling in the arms or legs

• vision problems

• difficulty speaking or understanding speech

• muscle weakness or paralysis

• balance problems

• changes in behavior or personality

• memory problems

• difficulty swallowing

What are the Risks of Not Treating AVM?

If AVM is not treated, it can lead to serious complications, including:

• stroke: AVM can cause a rupture in the wall of a blood vessel, which can lead to bleeding in the brain. This can cause a stroke, which can lead to permanent brain damage or death.

• brain hemorrhage: AVM can also cause a rupture in the wall of a brain vessel, which can lead to a brain hemorrhage. This can lead to permanent brain damage or death.

• aneurysm: AVM can weaken a blood vessel wall, which can lead to an aneurysm (a bulging or ballooning of the vessel wall). An aneurysm can rupture and lead to a stroke or brain hemorrhage.

• seizures: AVM can cause seizures due to the disruption of normal brain activity.

Treatment Options for AVM

There are several treatment options available for AVM, including:

• Surgery: Surgery is the most common treatment for AVM. During the surgery, the AVM is removed and the affected blood vessels are repaired or replaced.

• Endovascular embolization: This procedure involves blocking the AVM with a special type of glue or a small metal coil. This stops blood from flowing through the AVM and prevents it from growing.

• Radiosurgery: This is a type of radiation therapy that uses high-energy X-ray beams to destroy the AVM.

• Combination therapy: Combination therapy is a combination of different treatments, such as surgery and embolization or radiosurgery and embolization.

No matter which treatment option is chosen, it is important to understand the risks and benefits associated with each option. Treatment should always be tailored to the individual patient.
 

TheSage

Active member
If AVM is not treated, it can cause serious complications. The AVM may rupture, leading to bleeding in the brain or spinal cord. This can result in stroke, seizures, paralysis, and even death. In addition, AVMs can lead to brain damage if they increase pressure on the brain, causing headaches, vision loss, and dementia. Long-term, an untreated AVM may increase the risk of an aneurysm or other vascular malformations. Treatment is important to reduce these risks and improve the quality of life for those affected.
 

MrApple

Active member
AVM, or arteriovenous malformation, is a condition where abnormal and direct connections between arteries and veins form. If left untreated, AVM can cause high blood pressure, stroke, bleeding, seizures, and other complications. It can also lead to permanent disabilities, and even death if the blood vessels rupture. It is important to seek medical attention if you have any signs or symptoms of AVM, such as headaches, dizziness, weakness, or changes in vision. Treatment options vary depending on the size and location of the AVM, but can include surgery, embolization, radiation therapy, or medication. It is important to have regular follow-up visits after treatment to monitor the condition.
 

DebatingDynamo

Active member
If AVM is not treated, it can lead to a variety of complications. AVM is a tangle of abnormal blood vessels and can cause blood to flow in the wrong direction. Over time, this can cause increased pressure in the veins and arteries that feed into the AVM, leading to damage and rupture.

If the AVM is left untreated, it can cause a number of serious complications. These include stroke, seizures, headaches, and even death. It is also possible for an AVM to burst, causing severe bleeding and an even greater risk of death.

If an AVM is not treated, it can also cause permanent damage to surrounding tissue. This can lead to nerve damage, vision loss, and paralysis. There is also a risk of infection in the area of the AVM, which can further complicate the treatment process.

In some cases, an AVM may not cause any symptoms and may not require treatment. However, it is important to note that even if the AVM is not causing any symptoms, it still carries a risk of rupture and should be monitored by a doctor. An AVM can also grow over time, so it is important to have any AVM checked regularly by a specialist.

If an AVM is discovered, it is important to seek treatment as soon as possible. Treatment options vary depending on the size and location of the AVM, but may include surgery, radiation therapy, or embolization. With early treatment, the risks associated with AVM can be minimized and the prognosis is often good.
 

Guide

Global Mod
Staff member
Global Mod
What happens if AVM is not treated?

If AVM is not treated, it can lead to serious complications, including stroke, seizures, and vision problems. In extreme cases, it can even cause death. The untreated AVM can also increase in size, leading to a higher risk of rupture and further complications. It is therefore important to seek medical advice and treatment as soon as possible to ensure the best outcome. Surgery is the most common form of treatment, although other treatments such as embolization may be recommended depending on the size and location of the AVM.
 
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