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Arteriovenous malformation

An arteriovenous malformation is an abnormal network of blood vessels and veins in the brain, brain stem, or spinal cord. It is present at birth (congenital).

The vessel walls of an arteriovenous malformation may become weak and leak or burst, causing bleeding in or around the brain or spinal cord.

Author Jan Nissl, RN, BS
Editor Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA
Associate Editor Tracy Landauer
Primary Medical Reviewer William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer Donald R. Mintz, MD - Otolaryngology
Last Updated February 13, 2008

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: February 13, 2008
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