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What's an AVM?

Find out more about arteriovenous malformations (AVM) and subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH)

Diagram of cerebral aneurysm, that had formed on my own AVM

What is an AVM?

An arteriovenous malformation (AVM) is a tangle of blood vessels in the brain or on the brain surface. This causes blood to bypass the usual network of vessels and flows directly from arteries to veins.

What are the symptoms?

Symptoms may vary depending on the size and location of the AVM within the brain. While AVMs commonly cause no symptoms at all, they can lead to seizures, headaches, speech disturbances and visual disturbances. They can also be located in other parts of the body.

What causes AVMs?

It is not fully known why AVMs occur, but generally people are born with them. They are not thought to be hereditary. They are typically discovered between the ages of 20 and 40.

A video showing and explaining what AVMs are.

How can I help?

The consultant neurosurgeon, Professor Diederik Bulters who carried out my operation at University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, is a leading research figure in subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH). His current study is called: Risk of Aneurysm Rupture (ROAR).

A SAH is a life‑threatening type of stroke caused by bleeding into the space surrounding the brain. It is usually the result of a ruptured brain aneurysm and is marked by a sudden, severe “thunderclap” headache. It is a medical emergency that requires immediate treatment, as it can lead to serious brain injury or death.

Image credit: Hellerhoff under CC licence 3.0

What is the ROAR Study?

The Risk of Aneurysm Rupture (ROAR) Study aims to better understand how likely it is for a brain aneurysm to burst (rupture). They hope to give future patients clearer answers about their own risk and help them make more confident decisions about whether to treat their aneurysm or continue to monitor it through their lifetime.

What charity can I support to help?

There are lots of great charities helping with brain conditions. A charity currently trying to gain traction you could look at is called: HBA SUPPORT. Hereditary Brain Aneurysm Support, is here for people with brain aneurysms and families at increased risk of brain aneurysms.