Arteriovenous Malformations
Arteriovenous malformations occur when a group of blood vessels develops incorrectly in the body. In these cases, veins and arteries are jumbled together and form a direct connection, bypassing normal tissues. This condition occurs during development when the child is in the womb or shortly after birth.
Typically, this doesn't show any symptoms or issues. Instead, this problem shows up once the patient is having some other unrelated health issues. For instance, a single ruptured blood vessel in an AVM leads to the issue that needs medical attention. Moreover, in some cases, AVMs are found during autopsy after death.
An abnormal tangle of blood vessels that normally looks like a web. This tangle is made of arteries that circulate blood to the brain and veins that normally drain blood from brain tissue. These arteries carry oxygen-rich blood from the heart to the brain and also to the other organs and tissues. Then, again, veins supply oxygen- and nutrient-poor blood and waste material from tissue to the heart and lungs.
This exchange process occurs in capillaries, which is the place where the smallest blood vessels of arteries and veins connect. As a result, this can also be a reason for high-flow arterial blood to connect directly to veins. Ultimately, this abnormal connection between artery and vein in an AVM can lead to rupture of the vessel and bleeding into the brain.
Types of arteriovenous malformation
Usually there are two types of AVMs that include:
- Brain arteriovenous malformation This can occur anywhere inside the brain tissue or on the surface of the brain. Main places of AVMs that generally occur are the brainstem and spinal cord.
- Peripheral arteriovenous malformation This can develop anywhere in the body of blood vessels. This can take place on the face, arms or legs and in tissues like hearts, lungs and liver.
Symptoms of arteriovenous malformations
Some of the common symptoms of arteriovenous malformation include:
- Headache
- Nausea and vomiting
- Seizures with or without consciousness
- Numbness or tingling sensation
- Dizziness
- Issue with movement like speech, memory, thinking, balance or vision
- Hallucinations or dementia
- Back pain
- Weakness in the lower body
- During exertion, patients may feel the shortness of breath
- Coughing up blood ( if AVM is in lungs)
- Abdominal pain
- Pain swelling
- Lumps on arms or legs
These symptoms sometimes rise up or sometimes AVMs don't show any symptoms at all.
Effects of Arteriovenous Malformation on the Body
Ways that affect the body due to arteriovenous malformation include:
- Bleeding: The pressure of blood flows through the arteries to the AVM. Since vein walls are weak and can't always hold the pressure of blood flow, if the veins can't handle the blood pressure, they might start bleeding or sometimes burst. As a result, bleeding into the surrounding tissue can cause permanent damage, and this can even cause death.
- Pressing on body parts: An abnormal connection leads to extra blood in the vein. Consequently, this can result in the vein turning into a big and pressing on nearby tissue. This can prevent oxygenation and can impact the lymphatic system.
- Depleting tissue of required oxygen: Due to the absence of a capillary bridge between arteries and veins, oxygen and nutrients are unable to reach the tissue where there is an AVM. As a result, the tissue and nerve cells at that place can die.
Cost of arteriovenous malformation in India
India offers highly effective and affordable medical care to both international patients and those from within the country. The cost of arteriovenous malformation in India is significantly lower and more reasonable compared to other countries. India maintains high-quality treatment standards, delivering excellent results without straining finances.
With a multilingual staff, India ensures there are no language barriers, making it more accessible to everyone. However, the overall cost of the treatment may vary depending on several factors. These factors include the surgeon’s expertise, the type of implant, the location of the hospital, and more.
Summary
Arteriovenous malformations occur when a group of blood vessels develops incorrectly in the body.
These arteries carry oxygen-rich blood from the heart to the brain and also to the other organs and tissues. Then, again, veins supply oxygen- and nutrient-poor blood and waste material from tissue to the heart and lungs.
