UMEM Educational Pearls

Title: Arteriovenous Malformation (AVM)

Category: Neurology

Keywords: avm, arteriovenous malformation, intracranial bleed (PubMed Search)

Posted: 9/10/2008 by Aisha Liferidge, MD (Updated: 9/3/2026)

Arteriovenous malformation (AVM) is a congenital defect of the circulatory system, comprised of a nest of blood vessels.

AVM is typically detected incidentally during CT or MRI studies.

Symptoms vary depending on the location of the AVM and the amount of hemorrhage, but can be as general as a seizure or headache.

The following clinical symptoms commonly occur with AVM bleeds:

- Ataxia - Paresthesia/dysesthia

- Aphasia - Memory deficits

- Confusion - Hallucinations

- Apraxia - Papilladema

If asymptomatic by the late 40's of life, usually remain stable and asymptomatic.