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  3. Arteriovenous Malformations (AVM)

Condition: Arteriovenous Malformations (AVM)

Arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) are defects in your vascular system. Your vascular system is your body's network of blood vessels. It includes your:

  • Arteries, which carry oxygen-rich blood from your heart to your tissues and organs
  • Veins, which carry the blood and waste products back to your heart
  • Capillaries, which are tiny blood vessels that connect your small arteries to your small veins

An AVM is a snarled tangle of arteries and veins. They are connected to each other, with no capillaries. That interferes with the blood circulation in an organ.

AVMs can happen anywhere, but they are more common in the brain or spinal cord. Most people with brain or spinal cord AVMs have few, if any, major symptoms. Sometimes they can cause seizures or headaches.

AVMs are rare. The cause of AVMs is unknown, but they seem to develop during pregnancy or soon after birth. Doctors use imaging tests to detect them.

Medicines can help with the symptoms from AVMs. The greatest danger is hemorrhage. Treatment for AVMs can include surgery or focused radiation therapy. Because surgery can be risky, you and your doctor need to make a decision carefully.

NIH: National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke

Courtesy of MedlinePlus from the National Library of Medicine.

Syndicated Content Details:
Source URL: https://medlineplus.gov/arteriovenousmalformations.html?utm_source=mplusconnect&utm_medium=service
Source Agency: National Library of Medicine

Contents

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Providers Treating Arteriovenous Malformations (AVM)

Note that every provider listed below may not perform or prescribe all treatments or procedures related to Arteriovenous Malformations (AVM). Review each provider for availability.

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Erika A. Petersen, M.D.

Erika A. Petersen, M.D. Neurosurgeon

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Lauren M. Story-Hefta, M.D.

Lauren M. Story-Hefta, M.D. Vascular Surgeon

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Locations Where Providers Treat Arteriovenous Malformations (AVM)

Note that the treatment of Arteriovenous Malformations (AVM) may not be performed at every location listed below. The list may include locations where the treatment plan is developed during and after a patient visit.

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Exterior of Stephens Spine Institute building

Neurointerventional Radiology Clinic

501 Jack Stephens Drive
Jackson T. Stephens Spine and Neuroscience Institute
Little Rock, AR 72205

Appointment Phone Number
501-686-5745
New and Returning Patients
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Areas of Expertise for Arteriovenous Malformations (AVM)

Neurosurgeon looking at brain imaging.

Neurosurgery

Our neurosurgeons perform research, multiple clinical trials and are the leaders for simple and complex surgeries not available at other centers in Arkansas.

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Make an Appointment

Request an appointment by contacting a clinic directly or by calling the UAMS Health appointment line at (501) 686-8000.

UAMS Health LogoUAMS HealthUniversity of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
Mailing Address: 4301 West Markham Street, Little Rock, AR 72205
Phone: (501) 686-7000
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