Overview
A dural arteriovenous fistula (dAVF) is an abnormal connection between an artery and vein within the protective cover around your brain and spinal cord (dura mater). This is a type of arteriovenous fistula.
Your blood vessels are in charge of transporting blood to your body’s organs, including your brain and spinal cord. Your arteries take oxygen-rich blood from your heart to organs throughout your body. Your veins carry oxygen-poor blood from your body’s organs back to your heart. Capillaries are tiny arteries that spread out the blood flow from major arteries to the organs they supply before they enter the veins.
Your body is used to having capillaries at the transition from arteries to veins. A fistula develops when an artery connects directly to a vein without a capillary in between. As a result, the artery pumps lots of blood into a vein that isn’t used to receiving so much blood flow.
A dAVF can disrupt the pressure in your blood vessels, change the size and shape of the vessel, and prevent blood from traveling in the direction it needs to go. Sometimes, a vessel can break or burst due to the pressure. This can lead to life-threatening bleeding.
You may hear your healthcare provider refer to dAVF as a dural arteriovenous malformation.
How common is a dural arteriovenous fistula?
In the United States, a dural arteriovenous fistula affects an estimated 0.15 to 0.19 out of 100,000 people each year.
Is a dural arteriovenous fistula serious?
Some dural arteriovenous fistulas are mild and won’t cause a major health complication, while others are very serious and can be life-threatening. If a vessel breaks and bleeding occurs, it can damage brain tissue and cause a stroke.
If you experience any symptoms, contact a healthcare provider. If you or a loved one show signs of a stroke, contact 911 or your local emergency services number immediately.
Symptoms
When to see a doctor
Complications
- High blood pressure.
- Diabetes.
- Heart failure.
- Some types of heart valve disease.
Prevention
- Control high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes.
- Don't smoke or use tobacco.
- Eat a diet that's low in salt and saturated fat.
- Exercise at least 30 minutes a day on most days of the week unless your health care team says not to.
- Get good sleep. Adults should aim for 7 to 9 hours daily.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Reduce and manage stress.
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