Spinal Arteriovenous Malformation

Spinal Arteriovenous Malformation

The condition in which there is malformation occurred in blood vessels near the spinal cord or on the cord. If not treated early it can cause the ischemia to spinal cord and damage is irreversible.

Symptoms

Signs and symptoms of spinal arteriovenous malformations include:

• Weakness
• Numbness
• Problems with walking
• Headache
• Difficulty in urination
• Severe back pain
• Stiff neck
• Sensitivity to light

Causes

The exact cause of this condition is not known yet. But it may assume that it is the congenital condition which is occur during adulthood.

Diagnosis

After taking history and conducting physical examination your doctor might recommend the following tests:

• Angiography to check the condition of blood vessels.
• MRI to see detailed images of spinal cord.
• Blood test to rule out the other diseases.

Treatment

Treatment depends upon the severity of condition, treatment options include:

• Pain-relieving drugs for pain such as headache and body ache
• Surgical process includes Endovascular embolization, surgical removal of AVM etc.