Arteriovenous malformation - cerebral A cerebral arteriovenous
malformation is an abnormal connection between the arteries and
veins in the brain that usually forms before birth. Causes of
Arteriovenous malformation - cerebral The cause of cerebral
arteriovenous malformation (AVM) is unknown. The condition
occurs when arteries in the brain connect directly to nearby
veins without having the normal vessels (capillaries) between
them. Arteriovenous malformations vary in size and location in
the brain. An AVM rupture occurs because of pressure and damage
to blood vessel tissue. This allows blood to leak into the brain
or surrounding tissues, and reduces blood flow to the brain.
Cerebral AVMs occur in less than 1% of people. Although the
condition is present at birth, symptoms may occur at any age.
Hemorrhages occur most often in people ages 15 - 20, but can
also occur later in life. Some patients with an AVM also have
cerebral aneurysms. Arteriovenous malformation - cerebral
Symptoms In about half of patients wi