Dr. Mohana Rao Patibandla is the only neurosurgeon who can offer all three treatment modalities, making AVM interventions possible. If you’re seeking treatment for an AVM, Dr. Rao’s Hospital is the only place to go. We’re experts in microsurgical resection and stereotactic Radiosurgery and can provide the care you need to manage your AVM.

Arteriovenous malformations (AVM) of the brain and spinal cord are tangles of abnormal blood vessels. They can form wherever arteries and veins exist. The ones that form in the brain or spinal cord have the most severe symptoms. The major AVM problem is bleeding, seizures (fits), or headache. The average risk of bleeding per year is 2%, but if it bled previously, the risk increases to 4% for the first two years and then normalizes to 2% per year.

Risk factors that increase your chance of getting arteriovenous malformations include:

• Family history
• History of unexplained recurrent bleeding
• Smoking

AVM Interventions: It needs a Multidisciplinary approach with the usage of all three modalities of treatment. The AVM treatment is possible only at Dr. Rao’s Hospital in Guntur, as Dr. Mohana Rao Patibandla is the only neurosurgeon who can do all three modalities.

For managing AVMs, we offer expertise in:

• Microsurgical resection, where Dr. Rao removes part of the skull and uses microsurgery to remove an AVM altogether, is Generally an option for the Spetzler Martin Grade I and II.
• Stereotactic Radiosurgery is used for small AVMs located in or near critical brain areas or deep inside the brain.
• Endovascular therapy embolization injects a glue-like material directly into the arteries via a catheter, but the chances of cure with only this method are 25%.

Stereotactic Radiosurgery for AVMs

Stereotactic Radiosurgery is very successful at treating small to medium-sized AVMs. Obliteration (destruction) rates for AVMs less than 3 cm in diameter are about 80% to 85%. This technology allows us to treat patients with large AVMs, which usually can’t be operated on. You may need to undergo Radiosurgery a second time if the AVM decreases in volume but remains filling after four years following initial stereotactic Radiosurgery.

We use a staged approach for extremely large AVMs (Initially, we make the AVM smaller and then treat it). Your doctor divides one large AVM into two parts, treating one piece in the first session and the other three to six months later. Your doctor will follow up:

• Every six months with an MRI scan
• After three years, an angiogram to determine if the AVM had been destroyed.

Prevent Hemorrhage

There is no way to prevent an arteriovenous malformation. 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
  • Limit alcohol intake
  • Eat a healthy diet that is low in sodium.
• Avoid blood thinners, if possible.
• Continue to see your doctor and a neurologist to regularly check the condition of your AVM.