Blood vessel malformations in the brain (AVM or cavernoma)

Overview

AVMs are tangles of arteries and veins; cavernomas are clusters of small blood vessels.

Many are found by chance on a brain scan.

Symptoms

Common signs:

• Seizures or headaches

Less common

• Headaches
• Weakness on one side

Look up a symptom: Headache · Muscle weakness in arms or legs

When to get medical care

Causes

Born with it.

Does it spread or run in families?

• It isn't contagious. You can't catch it from someone else.

Diagnosis

A clinician asks about your symptoms and may order tests.

The exam

A physical exam.

Tests

Tests, if needed:

• MRI:

Treatment

Treatment depends on the cause and how severe it is.

Self-care

• Know seizure first aid
• Avoid blood thinners unless advised
• Know stroke signs

Which doctor treats this

• Start with your primary care provider (family doctor or internist).
• They may send you to a neurologist (brain and nerve doctor).

Children, pregnancy, and older adults

• Young adults: AVMs often found in 20s to 40s.
• Young adults: Often found then.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

• If you're pregnant or planning to be, tell your prenatal provider about this condition.
• Don't start or stop any medicine on your own. Some are safe in pregnancy and some need to be changed.
• Ask before taking any pain reliever. The FDA advises avoiding ibuprofen and naproxen after 20 weeks unless your doctor says to.
• Breastfeeding: Most medicines are fine, but ask. The NIH LactMed database lists what's known about each one.

Outlook

Many never bleed.

Many never bleed; treatment lowers risk.

Getting ready for your visit

Bring a list of your symptoms and medicines.

What to bring

• A list of your medicines and supplements
• Notes on when symptoms started and what makes them better or worse

Questions to ask

• What's causing this?
• What treatment do you recommend?
• Should it be treated or watched?

Research studies

Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.

Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Blood vessel malformations in the brain (AVM or cavernoma)