An arteriovenous malformation (AVM) is a tangle of abnormal blood vessels that can occur anywhere in the body, but most commonly affects the brain and spine. AVMs are caused by a developmental error that occurs in the womb. The exact cause of AVMs is unknown, but they are thought to be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors.
AVMs can vary in size from small to large. Small AVMs may not cause any symptoms, but larger AVMs can cause a variety of symptoms, including:
- Headaches
- Seizures
- Vision problems
- Difficulty walking
- Weakness or numbness on one side of the body
- Speech problems
- Difficulty swallowing
In severe cases, AVMs can be life-threatening. AVMs can rupture and bleed, which can lead to stroke, brain damage, or death.
