Arteriovenous Malformations

Arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) are abnormal tangles of arteries and veins in the brain or spinal cord. They affect about 300,000 Americans, occurring equally in males and females from all ethnic and racial backgrounds.

AVMs are typically caused by mistakes that occur during fetal development. Although not completely understood, these defects can form wherever there are arteries or veins in the brain or spinal cord and may be linked to genetic mutations.

Although the majority of people with AVMs never experience any related problems, AVMs that bleed into the brain, called a hemorrhage, can cause severe neurological symptoms, seizures and even death.

At UCSF Medical Center, our Neurovascular Disease and Stroke Center is one of the world's leaders in diagnosing and treating AVMs, caring for more than 100 AVM patients annually. Our team includes neurologists, neurosurgeons and neuroradiologists who work together to design the best possible treatment for you. We offer a wide range of treatments, including surgery and advanced endovascular techniques, called embolization.

For information or to make an appointment, please call:
Neurological Surgery: (415) 353-7500

See information about pediatric AVM treatment at UCSF Children's Hospital.

Reviewed by health care specialists at UCSF Medical Center.
Last updated February 26, 2008