Browse Conditions: A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Preventing Arteriovenous Malformations

There is no way to prevent an arteriovenous malformation. However, to help reduce your chances of hemorrhaging, take the following steps:

Learn about ways to avoid high blood pressure, such as:
- Avoid heavy lifting.
- Stop smoking.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Drink alcohol only in moderation.
- Eat a healthy diet, with an appropriate amount of sodium.

Avoid blood thinners (drugs such as warfarin).
Continue to see your doctor and a neurologist to regularly check the condition of your arteriovenous malformation.

RESOURCES:

American Stroke Association
http://www.strokeassociation.org

National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)
http://www.ninds.nih.gov/index.htm

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

BC Health Guide
http://www.bchealthguide.org

The Toronto Brain Vascular Malformation Study Group
http://brainavm.uhnres.utoronto.ca

References:

About arteriovenous malformation. Mayo Clinic website. Available at: http://www.mayoclinic.org/arteriovenous-malformation/aboutavm.html . Accessed August 16, 2005.

Arteriovenous malformations and other vascular lesions of the central nervous system fact sheet. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke website. Available at: http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/avms . Accessed August 16, 2005.

Cerebrovascular Imaging and Intervention Committee of the American Heart Association Cardiovascular Council. What is an arteriovenous malformation (AVM)? American Stroke Association website. Available at: http://www.americanheart.org/downloadable/stroke/1095279678689 . Accessed August 16, 2005.

Choi JH, Mohr JP. Brain arteriovenous malformations in adults. Lancet Neurology . 2005; 4(5):299-308.

Ogilvy CS, Stieg PE, Awad I, et al. Recommendations for the management of intracranial arteriovenous malformation: a statement for healthcare professionals from a special writing group of the Stoke Council, American Stroke Association. Stroke . 2001;32:1458.

Treatment of arteriovenous malformation. Mayo Clinic website. Available at: http://www.mayoclinic.org/arteriovenous-malformation/ . Accessed August 16, 2005.

Last reviewed November 2008 by Michael J. Fucci, DO

Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

Talk about it in the:
Arteriovenous Malformations Support Group

Log In

User ID
Password
	Remember Me

	Forget your Password?