Arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) are collections of abnormal blood vessels
within the brain or spinal cord. These vessels create an abnormal connection between
the blood vessels bringing blood to the brain and those which remove it, effectively
short-circuiting the system. These AVMs have thin-walled vessels which have a tendency
to hemorrhage or bleed. In addition, AVMs can cause headache or seizure. They can even
mimic stroke. In some people, treatment of the AVM is recommended. Three methods of
treatment exist at this time. First, the vessels can be surgically removed. Second,
the AVM can be shrunk or eliminated with a focused form of radiation. Third, the AVM
can be filled with a special glue via an angiogram catheter.
For those patients where treatment is recommended, the surgeon, radiation specialist,
and interventional radiologist work closely together to plan therapy, utilizing one of
the techniques listed above. The treatment team looks at each case individually and
decides on the safest and most effective course of action. Highly specialized,
sophisticated equipment is available to carry out treatment plans at the highest
available standard.
A pair of carotid arteries supply the majority of blood to the brain. These
arteries in the neck have a tendency to develop blockages which can lead to stroke.
For many people, there is no warning before a stroke occurs. If your Doctor discovers
an abnormal sound in a carotid artery, tests can be done to determine if a significant
blockage exists. Currently, most of the testing is done in a non-invasive way using
ultrasound, CAT scanning, or MRI scanning. Occasionally, an arteriogram is needed.
Some people have a warning event or transient ischemic attack (TIA), in which temporary
symptoms develop, signaling a possible impending stroke.
If a critical blockage of the carotid artery is discovered, surgery may be
recommended. To perform a carotid surgery operation, or "endarterectomy", general
anesthesia is usually used. After the patient is asleep, the blood flow to the brain
is diverted around the blocked area with a plastic tube. The artery can then be opened,
and an operating microscope used to clean the artery, restoring it to a normal size and
configuration. For those people with advanced narrowing of the carotid artery the risk
of surgery is generally lower than the risk of non-surgical treatment.
Disclaimer: The information and references contained
herein are intended solely for the information.
It should not be used for treatment purposes, but rather for
discussion with the patient's own physician.
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