Arteriovenous Malformation (AVM) - Epilepsy Message Board

Krazykcio · 10-17-2002, 09:29 PM

For over a year (since I began having grand mal seizures) the Doctors have been telling me my seizures are due to a lesion on my brain. Today I learned that the lesion is possibly an AVM, or arteriolvenous malformation that I was born with. I will be scheduled for an angiogram, and a treatment plan will follow. I was told that an AVM can be real messy, like could cause a hemorrage or stroke etc. Does anyone have any info on AVM's? I'm in desperate need of support and answers from the group. Thank you, Kathy

^enigma^ · 10-17-2002, 11:39 PM

I wish I could help but Ive never even heard of AVM. I do wish you the best and that any treatment they give you goes very well. Good luck and keep us posted.

Brad.

Zat · 10-18-2002, 04:18 AM

I guess that's part of the conditions they look for when they give you an MRI of the brain. That and a dye contrast shot. Been there, done that, not enough money on the planet to get me back into that @%$#!'n machine.

The noise and vibration didn't bother me. blna blna... thump thump thump. The blankin tube kept getting smaller. Thought I was going to fall flat on my face when I got out of it. I didn't know I was clausterphobic, phone booths and elevaters don't bother me but that thing sure did.

I guess I should've take the Valium the nurse offered me before hand. Oh well....

zat

Krazykcio · 10-19-2002, 03:02 PM

Hi Guys,
Apparently, an AVM is a mess of blood vessels that form a mass. I don't know too much more, except that it could rupture or cause a stroke. Neither option sounds real fun. I'll keep you posted. Thanks for the support. Kathy

curse · 10-19-2002, 04:57 PM

Kathy-
I've been there & had one. I had my first seizure when I was 19. That's when I was introduced to the AVM. They had me on dilantin & tegratol, but the seizures continued. Migraines started. Finally, it ruptured & I had my first surgery. Of course it was a rush surgery & left me in a coma for 3 days. Memory was shot, seizures continued & I slowly recooperated. 2 yrs. later after the migraines were constant & Imitrex was doing nothing an MRI found that the first surgeon left part of my AVM. I went to Cincinnati & had the entire AVM removed. He did a great job & I was out of the hospital in less than a week.
I remain to have seizures & my last 2 big ones left me lacking oxygen. My newest Dr. wants me to get a VNS, but Keppra, which he recently put me on, is doing better than all the prior drugs I tried put together.
Get the surgeon who has years of experience & a GREAT reputation & get that AVM removed before it bursts.

Good Luck!