Brain AVM (Arteriovenous Malformation)

To diagnose a brain arteriovenous malformation (AVM), your healthcare professional reviews your symptoms and conducts a physical exam.

One or more tests may be used to diagnose brain AVM. Imaging tests are usually done by radiologists trained in brain and nervous system imaging, known as neuroradiologists.

Tests used to diagnose brain AVMs include:

Cerebral angiography. This is the most detailed test to diagnose a brain AVM. Cerebral angiography reveals the location of the feeding arteries and draining veins, which is critical to planning treatment. Cerebral angiography is also known as cerebral arteriography.
In this test, a long, thin tube called a catheter is inserted into an artery in the groin or wrist. The catheter is threaded to the brain using X-ray imaging. A dye is injected into the blood vessels of the brain to make them visible under X-ray imaging.
Computerized tomography (CT) scan. A CT scan uses a series of X-rays to create a detailed cross-sectional image of the brain.
Sometimes a dye is injected through a tube into a vein for the CT scan. This type of test is known as computerized tomography angiography. The dye allows the arteries feeding the AVM and the veins draining the AVM to be viewed in greater detail.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). MRI uses powerful magnets and radio waves to create detailed images of the brain.
MRI is more sensitive than CT and can show subtle changes in brain tissue related to a brain AVM.

MRI also provides information about the exact location of the brain AVM and any related bleeding in the brain. The information is important for planning treatment.

A dye also may be injected to see the blood circulation in the brain. This type of test is known as magnetic resonance angiography.

Symptoms

When to see a doctor

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Complications

Blood clots are a dangerous complication of atrial fibrillation (AFib). Blood clots can lead to stroke.

The risk of stroke from AFib increases as you grow older. Other health conditions also may increase the risk of a stroke due to AFib. These conditions include:

High blood pressure.
Diabetes.
Heart failure.
Some types of heart valve disease.

Blood thinners are commonly prescribed to prevent blood clots and strokes in people with atrial fibrillation.

Prevention

Healthy lifestyle choices can reduce the risk of heart disease and may prevent atrial fibrillation (AFib). Here are some basic heart-healthy tips:

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.

By Freedmans Health Clinic Staff

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