What is AVM?
An AVM (Arteriovenous Malformation) is a tangle of abnormal blood vessels connecting arteries and veins in the brain... but can appear in any other locations (organs, lower body, etc.). Stress, blood pressure, and hormonal changes can trigger symptoms. The smallest break in one of the vessel walls could be life threatening. AVM's are very rare and most people are genetically born with this silent condition.
Brain AVMs occur in less than 1% of the general population. Each time an AVM hemorrhages, it leads to brain tissue damage, which can either temporarily or permanently result in impaired brain function. The amount of brain damage depends on the location and size of the hemorrhage. The walls of the blood vessels affected by AVMs are much weaker than normal vessels, increasing vulnerability to ruptures (hemorrhages) or damage in surrounding areas.
Due to the rarity and lack of understanding about AVMs, we wanted to create this organization in memory of Megan, and fulfill our 3 goals. Please help us raise AVM awareness and promote research in this field.
FACT SHEET FROM BAF
https://www.bafound.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/BAF-One-Sheet_2015.pdf
An AVM (Arteriovenous Malformation) is a tangle of abnormal blood vessels connecting arteries and veins in the brain... but can appear in any other locations (organs, lower body, etc.). Stress, blood pressure, and hormonal changes can trigger symptoms. The smallest break in one of the vessel walls could be life threatening. AVM's are very rare and most people are genetically born with this silent condition.
Brain AVMs occur in less than 1% of the general population. Each time an AVM hemorrhages, it leads to brain tissue damage, which can either temporarily or permanently result in impaired brain function. The amount of brain damage depends on the location and size of the hemorrhage. The walls of the blood vessels affected by AVMs are much weaker than normal vessels, increasing vulnerability to ruptures (hemorrhages) or damage in surrounding areas.
Due to the rarity and lack of understanding about AVMs, we wanted to create this organization in memory of Megan, and fulfill our 3 goals. Please help us raise AVM awareness and promote research in this field.
FACT SHEET FROM BAF
https://www.bafound.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/BAF-One-Sheet_2015.pdf
A visual representation of an AVM:
More Information can be found on The Stroke Association's website.