Arteriovenous Malformation (AVM) Treatment & Surgery

How to Prepare for AVM Treatment

Before your AVM treatment, the BWH neurosurgery team will detail what you can expect both before the day of treatment and following the treatment. For those undergoing AVM surgery, embolization or sclerotherapy may be done before surgery to reduce the impact or risk of surgery. For patients with multiple treatments scheduled, expect at least six weeks between procedures. Many patients will return home the day of treatment, while others will remain in the hospital, especially with more advanced surgeries.

What is AVM Surgery Like?

During AVM surgery, a patient will be under general anesthesia. The surgery may last for several hours as neurosurgeons use specialized techniques to remove the AVM from the brain or spinal cord. Patients may stay in the hospital for multiple days under the careful watch of the BWH team as they undergo short-term rehabilitation. Additional brain scans can ensure the AVM has been fully removed.

Possible AVM surgery side effects include:

• Stroke or seizure
• Numbness or slow movement
• Problems with speech or memory
• Small risk of hemorrhage

How Long Does It Take to Recover from AVM Surgery?

The recovery from AVM surgery begins immediately following the procedure. A patient may stay in the hospital for a day or more but will have restricted activity for four to six weeks and may not fully recover for two to six months. Patients will need to care for their incision and manage any possible swelling or bruising around the eyes following surgery. Your doctor will work with you on when to restart any medications and if any new medications may be needed.

Contact the Center for Cerebrovascular Diseases

The Center for Cerebrovascular Diseases is home to a team of neurosurgeons – among them world leaders in the treatment of AVMs. In addition to their exceptional technical skill, our neurosurgeons are known for their clear communication, compassion, ample time spent with patients, and personal care and attention.

We understand that confronting an AVM can be frightening for many patients and families; our guiding principle is to put the patient and family first. Your physicians are accessible to you throughout your care – before, during and after the treatment period.

Our team of neurosurgeons with deep expertise in treating AVMs includes:

• Mohammad A. Aziz-Sultan, MD
• Rose Du, MD, PhD
• Kai U. Frerichs, MD
• Nirav J. Patel, MD, MA

To schedule an appointment with a physician in the AVM Program at the Center for Cerebrovascular Diseases, please contact our Patient Coordinator at: 617-525-8128. We see new patients with AVMs as soon as the next business day.

If you are a physician seeking to refer a patient to the Center for Cerebrovascular Diseases, please call 617-732-6600 or you can access our physicians’ office phone numbers. To contact one of our physicians with a question, patient referral or second opinion, you may also email: [email protected].