Cerebral Arteriovenous Malformation

Definition 1

An abnormal connection between arteries and veins characterized by the absence of intervening capillaries in the brain. Signs and symptoms include headaches, bruit upon head examination, seizures, and bleeding. When bleeding occurs, the signs and symptoms are similar to those in stroke. (NCI Thesaurus)

Definition 2

Congenital vascular anomalies of the brain characterized by tangles of thin walled arteries which communicate directly with veins without intervening capillaries. The malformations vary greatly in size and location, and produce symptoms through rupture (see also INTRACRANIAL HEMORRHAGES), mass effect, and vascular steal effect. Clinical presentation is often delayed until the fourth or fifth decade when affected individuals may develop headaches, seizures, and focal neurologic deficits. Large hemorrhages may result in coma or death. (From Adams et al., Principles of Neurology, 6th ed, p848) (NLM, Medical Subject Headings)

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