AVM – What It Is, Its Types, Its Symptoms, And Its Treatments
Arteriovenous malformation or AVM is the abnormal connection between the arteries and veins, which appears as tangles, and can appear in any part of the brain or spine. Generally, blood flows from the heart through large arteries to all the parts of the body, which get branched into smaller capillaries, where the blood exchanges oxygen and nutrients with the body tissues, and picks up waste. The blood then travels back from the capillaries to the heart through veins. But, when a patient is suffering from AVM, there are no capillaries to lead the path. The arteries and veins directly connect to one another, which creates high-pressure shunt or fistula. Direct blood flow from the arteries is not able to be handled by the veins, which is why they stretch and enlarge trying to accept the blood, thus resulting in rupture and bleeding. Depending upon the type of AVM and where it is formed, the symptoms may vary. Some AVMs have no specific symptoms, and have no risk on one’s health ...