AVM / Aneurysm / ICH

What is AVM?

An abnormal grouping of blood vessels that joins arteries and veins in the brain is known as an arteriovenous malformation (AVM). The arteries transport the brain's oxygen-rich blood from the heart. The oxygen-depleted blood is returned to the heart and lungs through veins. This crucial procedure is hindered by a brain AVM.

The brain and spinal cord are prominent sites for arteriovenous malformations to form; however, overall, brain AVMs are uncommon. Arteriovenous malformations can originate anywhere in the body.

What are the symptoms of AVM?

An arteriovenous brain malformation may go unnoticed until it ruptures and bleeds, at which point symptoms and indicators may appear. Hemorrhage is the initial symptom in around half of all brain AVMs.

However, in addition to bleeding, some individuals with brain AVMs may also exhibit the following signs and symptoms:

• Seizures
• Severe headache or pain in one location of the head
• Severe headache or pain in one location of the head
• Paralysis, numbness, or weakness
• Loss of vision
• Speaking challenging
• Confusion or difficulty comprehending others
• Pronounced unsteadiness

What are the causes of AVM?

AVM in the brain has no known cause. The majority of brain AVMs, according to researchers, are present before birth and develop throughout fetal development, but they can also emerge later in life. Individuals with hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia may also exhibit brain AVMs. The formation of blood vessels throughout the body, including the brain, is impacted by HHT.

How is AVM diagnosed and treated?

AVM is usually diagnosed by cerebral angiography, computerized tomography or CT scan, MRI, etc.

There are numerous possible therapies for brain AVM. The major focus of therapy is to stop bleeding; however, seizures or other neurological adverse effects may also be addressed.

Your age, general health, and the size and location of the brain AVM will all influence the right action plan for your situation.

Drugs may be used to treat AVM-related symptoms, including headaches or seizures. The most popular form of treatment for brain AVMs is surgery.

What is a brain aneurysm?

A brain aneurysm is a bulging or ballooning in a blood vessel in the brain. A berry hanging on a stem is a common representation of an aneurysm. A brain aneurysm may burst or leak, resulting in brain hemorrhage (hemorrhagic stroke).

Aneurysm ruptures quickly turn life-threatening and necessitate immediate medical attention. However, most brain aneurysms don't burst, harm the body, or manifest any symptoms. These aneurysms are frequently found during examinations for other disorders.

What are the symptoms and causes of a brain aneurysm?

• Nausea and diarrhea
• Tight neck
• Double or blurry vision
• Sensitivity to light
• Seizure
• A lowered eyelid
• Consciousness loss
• Confusion
• Discomfort behind and above one eye
• A wide-open pupil
• Eyesight changes or double vision
• One half of the face is numb

The main cause of brain aneurysms is still a mystery. But factors like your age, smoking, high blood pressure, drug abuse, etc., can increase the risk of a brain aneurysm.

How is a brain aneurysm diagnosed and treated?

A brain aneurysm is diagnosed by a CT scan, cerebrospinal fluid test, MRI, or cerebral angiogram. It is treated by surgery or other treatment options like medications and flow diverters.

What is ICH?

A disorder known as intracerebral hemorrhage causes bleeding into the brain. It is the most lethal and the second most frequent cause of stroke (15–30% of strokes).

The brain receives and expels blood through blood arteries. Veins or arteries may burst due to trauma, improper development, or excessive pressure. Blood itself has the potential to harm brain tissue. Additionally, the additional blood in the brain may raise the intracranial pressure (ICP) to a level that severely harms the brain.

What are the symptoms of ICH?

The start of an intracerebral hemorrhage might be slow for minutes to hours, or it can occur suddenly, similar to an ischemic stroke. Depending on where the hemorrhage occurred, symptoms may include the following:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg (usually on one side)
• Loss of vision
• Seizures

What are the causes of ICH?

The main causes of ICH are:

• Aging
• Gender: common in men
• Hypertension
• Liver diseases
• History of stroke
• Usage of blood thinners

How is ICH diagnosed?

The preferred diagnostic test is a non-contrast computed tomography (CT) scan of the brain. It is advised to obtain a CT or MR angiography (once the patient is stabilized).

How is ICH treated?

The main treatment goals are to stop the bleeding, get rid of the clot, and release pressure on the brain. The non-surgical treatment techniques for ICH are clotting factor administration, blood pressure control, and ICP control. Surgeries performed for ICH are craniotomy and stereotactic clot aspiration.