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ARTERIOVENOUS MALFORMATIONS TREATMENTS |
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Neurosurgeons consider several factors
before deciding on a treatment option. There is some debate over
whether or not to treat Arteriovenous Malformationss that have not ruptured and are not
causing any symptoms. The risks and benefits of proceeding with
treatment need to be measured on an individual basis, taking into
account factors such as the person's age and general health, as well
as the Arteriovenous Malformations's size and location. Several treatment options are
available, both for symptomatic or asymptomatic Arteriovenous Malformationss. These
treatment options may be used alone or in combination. Surgery Removing the Arteriovenous Malformations is the surest way of preventing it from causing future problems. Both small and large Arteriovenous Malformationss can be handled in surgery. Surgery is recommended for superficial Arteriovenous Malformationss, but may be too dangerous for deep or very large Arteriovenous Malformationss. Unless it is an emergency situation, an Arteriovenous Malformations that has hemorrhaged is treated conservatively for several weeks. Conservative treatment consists of managing the immediate symptoms and allowing the patient's condition to stabilize. Surgery requires general anesthesia and a longer period of recuperation than any other treatment option. Radiation Radiation is particularly useful to treat small (under 1 in) malformations that are deep within the brain. Ionizing radiation is directed at the malformation, destroying the Arteriovenous Malformations without damaging the surrounding tissue. Radiation treatment is accomplished in a single session and it is not necessary to open the skull. However, success can only be measured over the course of the following two years. A year after the procedure, 50-75% of treated Arteriovenous Malformationss are completely blocked; two years after radiation treatment, the percentage increases to 85-95%. Embolization Embolization involves plugging up access to the malformation. This technique does not require opening the skull to expose the brain and can be used to treat deep Arteriovenous Malformationss. Using x-ray images as a guide, a catheter is threaded through the artery in the thigh (femoral artery) to the affected area. The patient remains awake during the procedure and medications can be administered to prevent discomfort. The blood vessel leading into the Arteriovenous Malformations is assessed for its importance to the rest of the brain before a balloon or other blocking agent is inserted via the catheter. The block chokes off the blood supply to the malformation. There may be a mild headache or nausea associated with the procedure, but patients may resume normal activities after leaving the hospital. At least 2-3 embolization procedures are usually necessary at intervals of 2-6 weeks. At least a three-day hospital stay is associated with each embolization. |
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| ARTERIOVENOUS MALFORMATIONS RELATED ITEMS | ||
