A New AVM Group... TAAF

About Arteriovenous Malformation (AVM)

• Basic Blood Vessel Anatomy of the Brain
• Overview of an AVM
• Symptoms
• AVMs in Children
• AVMs and Pregnancy
• Quick Facts
• References
  

Basic Blood Vessel Anatomy in the Brain

An artery is a blood vessel that carries blood that is high in oxygen and nutrients from the heart to nourish other parts of the body. The walls of an artery are very elastic as they are meant to withstand high pressure as blood is pumped out of the heart. The arteries gradually become smaller and smaller as they get out to the tissues until reaching the capillary bed, which consists of tiny, thin-walled vessels, where oxygen and nutrients exchange with carbon dioxide and waste products.

The blood then continues into the veins, blood vessels that carry blood back to the heart. Normally, as the high-pressure arterial blood is pumped through a capillary bed there is a gradual decrease in blood pressure. The walls of veins are therefore not as elastic as arteries as they are not meant to carry blood under high pressure.

In the brain, the veins drain blood into venous dural sinuses (not to be confused with the air-filled sinuses in the facial bones that are often associated with sinus infections, etc.). Venous dural sinuses are folds in the dura mater (lining of the brain) that collect blood and then drain into the internal jugular veins that bring blood back to the heart...

from...

-------------------------------

-------------------------------------
That is a link to a AVM site... I recommend you go give them a view.

Me.... Not much.
been youtubeing... alot of new UFO's posted... big deal.

but that won't stop me from posting one or three...




okay it kinda sense ...



don't forget 12-21-2010


the end?

okay now this is getting silly.

or...


I know that book gas 0 to do with the end of times... See you next whatever... bye bye.

me...

Here I am... pissed off... my outdoors is a mess...destroyed buy her son... 37 years old. I try to tell my wife and she just blows me off...

GADDANM it !!

nothing in the form of AVM's so horray there.

youtube?


'Til Tuesday - VOICES CARRY - Live 1985 Aimee Mann



that's it...
Good by

AVM news... about me... and Woodstock...

We Walked for AVM Awareness!

The walk was great!!! Albeit a tad cold and a little wet. It was still a wonderful event and I want to thank TAAF (with a special thanks to Angela) and Sports Basement for being so wonderful with putting this all together and giving us an opportunity to raise money and awareness for this rare condition. The AVM Survivors Network team raised over $10,000 for this cause! Go Team!!! Thanks to everyone who donated to my personal fundraising page. My goal was $500 and with your help I ended the effort with $900! Almost twice my original goal. What great people I have in my life!

Josh and I were very excited to meet our AVM friends/family on Saturday night, and then walking with them today. Ivanna, Doug, Nich, Matt, Kim, Dan, Justin, Jaclyn, Scott, Margie, Greg, Serene, Camellia, Jane, Mary, Greg's nephew & fiance and Margie's friend (sorry I forgot your names,) Jaimee & TJ and ALL of their blue hat supporters, Carolyn & her brother, as well as my family; Taryn, Jason, Jan, Dave, Pam, AK, Billy, Glenda, Trina, Kevin, Summer & Reese... thanks to everyone who came out this weekend to make this event memorable and to support and celebrate our "brainers!" This will be a memorable weekend for me and I have appreciated all of the support and friendship from everyone!

Click HERE for a slideshow of pictures from this weekend. I will be uploading additional pictures as I get them from the other walkers. So check back in a week or so to see more pics of this wonderful group of people.

The weekend went by so quickly and I'm sad that it is over! I can't begin to explain how important it has been to make these connections with other AVMers. And I know they all feel the same way. We share a bond from an unfortunate situation, but a special bond just the same.


If you look very closely you can see the Golden Gate was the backdrop for our walk!

I leave again on Wednesday for Denver with Jan as my travel partner. I am counting on these trips to continue on the "easy" path that I have been on for the last few, but know that the chance of a road bump is always there. I'm feeling strong and healthy, optimistic and content. Thanks to everyone who continues to keep me in their thoughts and prayers. I really do appreciate it.

I'll update again when I get back from Denver.

Shalon
from...
-----------------------------------


-----------------------------------
It's a great avm news thang... isn't it...

Okay where was I...
I went to go see a nephew-in-law who is being held by the state of Mi. He is about 9 hrs away. Is it fair.... you betca. He is sorry that he did what they say he did... he is a new man... BULLSHIT. I am sorry but he deserves his sentence. He ran from the cops... he had an accident... his little boy was in the car... he was high on crack.
The little boy was not hurt... luckily.
I have an aquantinsis with a crack web site... it is www.devilscandy.com.

Give him a look if you like...

Okay, what about me... I had a MRI... it shows no further bleeds... it is like an MRI I had back in 2007. I should be happy at the results... but I ain't.
I guess I wanted there to be a reason for my moods... and my feelings of doom... I guess there was... but I wanted something tangible... something I could wrap my hands around.

Result: Double up on Zoloft. See what happens. I know a few of you think of anti-depressants as a crutch. And maybe it is... But I have to tell you that they are a needed crutch right now.

okay gonna go... first have some youtube...

Woodstock 1969 - Matthews Southern Comfort


Country Joe McDonald - "Feel Like I'm Fixing To Die"


Crosby Stills Nash A Long Time Gone Woodstock 1969


okay got t go... see ya'

AVM News...

Collinsville wheelchair athlete signs with U of I; 'I'm totally excited'

Has overcome tragedy with an strong work ethic, desire to excel

BY DEAN CRIDDLE - News-Democrat

COLLINSVILLE -- Rachel Voss has turned a tragedy into a triumph of the spirit, mind and body.

Just 12 years old when she awoke the day after Christmas in 2002 unable to move her legs as the result of a rare condition, Voss could have given up. But she didn't. She used her love of sports, a strong work ethic and intense desire to excel to become a top-notch wheelchair athlete....

from here...

----------------------------------------

------------------------------------------
I've been driving all day... yes I do it with one hand. As a reuste I am tired... so tomorrow with news of me...

buy some stuff...


Weird isn't it... okay gotto go...

From Kansas City.... AVM Story.

Hello fellow bloggers!

I find it strange writing and not really knowing if anyone has found us. My hope is that when someone finds out they have an aneurysm or avm, or a family is suddenly thrust into the chaos of a sudden rupture, they can find our blog and receive information and comfort. I think one of the first things you do when you are confronted with this, is to go online and research. It really is amazing what is out there and I know from personal experience that it does help to be able to read and research. I have found great comfort in several of our websites listed here. Sometimes just knowing that someone else is having the same issue or problem is helpful. It's good to hear what someone else might be trying to help.

I asked Terry last night how he felt his recovery was going. It has been 16 months since his rupture. He told me that he thinks it is going to take a lot longer then he thought. I told him that I would just like to see him at least start trying to do at least one thing every day to help his brain heal. I have bought crossword, find-a-word books, saved brain games on the computer, etc. but he has a hard time remembering to do it! He still is very fatigued most of the time. Last night he wanted to have an italian sausage sandwich. He used to make this all the time and I have never made it myself. He was in the kitchen for hours, but he did a great job! It is the first time in 16 months that he has actually started and finished a project! He did lose focus a couple of times, but then he got right back in there. Of course, I don't think he actually ate any of the italian sausage but he made it!

I'm a little nervous about speaking at the stroke recovery compendium this week. They just want me to tell them about our support group and how we started. I am hoping that by doing so that it will get the word out to more people. At our last meeting, a woman came and told us that she has known for a year that she has an aneurysm and is still trying to figure out what to do. She is older and already has some weakness on her right side. She is so fearful of something happening during the surgery. I can't blame her because I remember feeling the same way! It is such a hard decision to make. Of course, if you have a rupture, there is no decision. I remember that I could not have my aneurysm coiled (a much less invasive procedure) because the neck was too big. Now, after 8 years, I can say I am happy that I had it clipped and I don't worry about it at all (well not too much any way!).

Until next time - take care - come back!

--Nancy

from....really go check them out!!!
-------------------------------
They also have several other web sites bookmarked. A real plus to those who have had one... and those who take care of us.

I had an interesting day , yesterday.
All day long I felt sleepy... took two naps.
Got ready for bed at 9:00
What happened next... well lets just say I did not like it... it was a flu???

I felt like I was going to die... yes die... (needles to say... I did not)

It was kinda weird... I had good old thumping in my brain case... double vision... partial paralysis... today I wake up... and feel fine. Strange.... very strange.

I know that I should tell my wife. but I don't think I am going to... she is more involved in her neck surgery. (And getting pills... she is an addict.)

So here I sit... wondering who I should tell...
and playing some youtube for you...


Led Zeppelin - Stairway To Heaven


Led Zeppelin-kashmir


Dazed And Confused - Led Zeppelin

if you want to buy some Led Zeppelin...


That is that... see you tomorrow...
Peace out...
R

Well that was strange... AVM and Me.

I lost my computer yesterday... and I'm connecting on a neighbors network...
luckily there were no news about avm's yesterday.

Strange I got hiccups the day before yesterday... and they stayed all day long... I went to the Dr. and he gave me a prescription for a med that they give to psics. it is Thorazine. To help with hiccups.

He also sent me off to get a chest x-ray, for phenomena, and is scheduling a MRI. Seems that no quit hiccups is a sine of a bleed. The next few days should be interesting.

I was told something that I don't remember, I had hiccups when I had the bleed.

okay enough of me..
PS, have been thinking of signing a DNR order... what do you think?


Pop Musik ( or "Pop Music", if you prefer ) "M"

God it has been sometime sense I have thought of them... They were grate!
buy some "M"


iggy pop - i'm bored
That's for a friend of mine...

and that's that....

AVM surgery and a little of me.

Cerebral AVM Surgery

From Nasseff Neuroscience Center at United Hospital, St. Paul, Minnesota

ST. PAUL (March 17, 2009)—The video of a brain surgery that was expected to last only a few hours, but turned into a 25 hour marathon will debut April 14, 2009 at 1pm CDT on OR Live.

The edited video of the surgery, performed by Dr. Jerone Kennedy at Nasseff Neuroscience Center at United Hospital, St. Paul, Minnesota, will take viewers on the medical odyssey that relieved a 27-year-old day care administrator of seizures that had taken over her life. The surgery features the use of a new intraoperative Magnetic Resonance Imaging (iMRI) operating room at United Hospital The iMRI allows surgeons to use real-time imaging as they operate...
read more here...
---------------------------------------


-------------------------

And now a bit of me...

I have lost a good number of friends. Funny I have gained a few... so in the end it is a wash... other than the fact that I like these more... I just can't see them bolting if I have a do over of my AVM.
So to my new Friends I say Good Day!

I don't now why but it has been a rock and roll spring... for those who have a land line I apologize.

I really don't have any knowledge of whats going on out in the real word... I watch the news... it just don't stick.
damn memories.

Don't feel sorry... I don't.

One of the things that come with having an AVM is seizures. One of the things I found out is that I am allergic to seizure meds. Thank god I haven't had one.

oh well... I am out of things to say... so I'll say Good day.

We got news.... AVM and me!

First a definition..

Arteriovenous malformation

Arteriovenous malformation or AVM is an abnormal connection between veins and arteries, usually congenital. This pathology is widely known because of its occurrence in the central nervous system, but can appear in any location.

The genetic transmission patterns of AVM, if any, are unknown. AVM is not generally thought to be an inherited disorder, unless in the context of a specific hereditary syndrome.

Wikipedia... for all you need to know
---------------------------
From another poster... give her a look!

MOM Update

Okay, I know this has been going on and going on, but I know that you all love me and would want to know the latest news on my mother. Well, we saw the specialist from the University of Maryland Medical Center in Baltimore...we actually went to his office in Kent Island, MD across the Bay Bridge.

He saw the pictures...really nasty looking ya'll, and he said that because there are several AVM's (small broken blood vessels) in the small intestines, surgery is the only answer at this point. The AVM condition is congenital according to the doctor and although this my take care of the problem now it still may return as she gets older.

Well, I don't care what he says, we serve a God that is able, and if He doesn't perform a miracle with this necessary operation (yes, He gives us wisdom) He is still ABLE to.

So, the surgery is scheduled for April 21st and of course, I will be off for that week and maybe the following week as well.

So, everybody send me some LOVE for the next few weeks leading up to the 21st of April and I will still post until the 20th and then I will be handling my responsibilities concerning my MOTHER.

I LOVE YOU GUYS AND I KNOW THAT YOU ARE PRAYING FOR US AND KNOW THAT WE ARE PRAYING FOR EACH OF YOU AS WELL!

With A Sincere Heart,
Stacye
from...
--------------------------

Otley school says thank you to hospital that saved Jamie

By Annette McIntyre »

The fundraising efforts of a little boy and his schoolmates have helped boost funds at the hospital which saved his life.

Jamie Holmes, eight, was placed in intensive care last June after collapsing at his home in Well Croft, Otley

read more...
-------------------------------

Me...
I have to go pick my Wife up at the hospital. I don't look forward to her pain. It is understanding that she would have a lot! She dose.

So wish me and my wife a quick get better(ness).
okay got to go...
R

AVM No!

No avm news for you today. That is a good thing.
It leaves me with a blank when it comes to talking to you... that is a bad thing.

Normally I would post youtubes... but I have to work... and I like to view them before posting them...
...and that ain't gonna happen.
so here have a little amazon... to make me feel better.

So I'll leave a pic of me before the stroke... I don't have any post-stroke... yet.
Gotta get a digital camera... it is way down the list.



There is a bunch of M. Weis to go threw.
Good day...
R

AVM News... two for the Road.

one...

Well, this is awkward...

Like running into someone you once dated, who one day, without explanation, just stopped calling. Everything seemed to be going so well, and then--Poof! You see him at the farmers market one Sunday morning, walking hand in hand with someone who is not you, buying flowers for their table, or some stupid arugula for the salad they will later prepare together, and maybe you just want to snatch their Venti lattes and scald the smugness right off of their pretentious little life. Believe me, I understand, but please, before you cause a scene, hear me out and give me a second chance! It's not you, it's me!

Doing the blog was really getting me down. It was a very long year, filled with periods of deep anxiety and depression. The more I thought about or talked about the AVM, the more anxious and depressed I became. Waiting 12 months to have my first post-gamma MRI, with no (medical) encouragement was driving me mad. Every day I feared that the gamma knife was not working, that I was going to have a bleed...I had to stop thinking about it for a while. Like a prisoner, I had to do my own time. A year has passed, and I am eagerly awaiting my appointemnt to ge before the parole board (otherwise known as the MRI tech, radiologist and neurologist.) I am hoping that they will give me life.
from...
-------------------------------

-------------------------------

two...
My wife is walking for AVM Awareness! Please help if you can!Hey everyone! I'm posting this up for Shalon, (my wife for those who we haven't met yet)! It would be great if you could help, thanks for checking it out!

Also, here is a link to her website: Home ?(Shalon's AVM Story)?



Hello friends & family!

As you all know, I've been fighting this AVM my entire life. And most of you have been there to witness my struggles and my triumphs! Recently you have all been so supportive of my journey through visiting my website and my blog, and by supporting me in my frequent trips to Denver. And I am so very thankful to have all of you in my life.

On May 3rd Josh & I will be participating in an awareness walk in SF. I would LOVE for you to JOIN ME IN WALKING to raise awareness. I know many of you are local, so take the short drive to the city and enjoy the sites as we do a quick 1 mile walk at Crissy Fields. It will be a fun day!

The Aneurysm & AVM Foundation (TAAF) supports those affected by BRAIN AVM's And while mine is not in my brain, the research will ultimately benefit all of us suffering from this condition. Plus I have met so many wonderful "Brainers" through our support network at AVM Survivors Network: AVM Support Group - We're AVM Survivors, Here For Your Support.... They are my family and I am dedicated to supporting this cause!


For information about the walk, and to register, please visit the page below. When you register you want to join TEAM AVMsurvivors.org!

TAAF: Events: 4th Annual Awareness Walk

If you can't make the walk, but would still like to participate, I also have a fund raising page set up for donations. I realize that many of you have already donated to me personally to help with my trip expenses, and don't expect that you will continue to donate to everything I get involved with! I am so thankful for the donations I have already received. I can't thank you all enough.

However, if you are interested please visit the page below.

Active.com Donations

Please forward this email to anyone you think would be interested in being involved with the AVM Awareness walk.

I hope to see many of you in the city in May!
Shalon

__________________
Joshua


“Some dream in color, I dream in 4 wheel drive."


My Wife's AVM story

www.avmsurvivors.org

www.findchristiewilson.com

from....
------------------------------


------------------------------

Yep, it's me...
To give you an idea of why I put books from Margret Weis in , you really have to read them.
Thay are just DA%M good.

I am home today. And so tired from yesterday, I need to slow down when there... good luck.
People ask what is it like having an AVM?
It's real hard to say. It is like having a piece of your brain missing. You remember what it was like when you had it.... but when you go off and try to use it... you just can't do it.... it is frustrating.

Well enough of me bitching about things I cannot fix.
Here have some youtube.


There ya go... keep smiling.

Avm News... not mine

Not Me... but a real good post.

Mel's case updated 01

I brought Mel for check-up on 3/2/2009, we reached Tawakal Hospital 12:30pm which the appointment has booked before CNY. We were waiting for around 30 minutes in order to see the doctor. Just because the doctor went to ward visiting.

To be honest, Mel was prepared for the admission to do the angiogram test, and the doctor told us is only 3 weeks the case happen, and worry about the blood clot still unclear, it is better to wait for another week. And next appointment is booked. I'm just curious, since if he knows the test only can be done after 4 weeks, why is he put an appointment after 3 weeks? And RM150 is paid for the short consultation.

He did mention after the angiogram, and it depends on the report, maybe send her to Ampang Puteri Hospital to do the Embolization.

I have done some survey about the embolization:

What is Embolization?

Embolization is a technique in which the blood vessels of the AVM are plugged with non-reactive glue. Under x-ray a catheter is guided from the femoral artery in the leg into the area to be treated. This is repeated for each vessel that feeds the AVM. Patients sometimes require this procedure to be repeated. This method is frequently combined with other treatments. Although embolization can be a complete and successful treatment in its own right; there are occasions when it's not possible to completely manage an aVM with this treatment. In this instance, embolizatin is used as a precautionary measure to reduce risk to the patient whilst undergoing other procedures.

Occiptal AVM before embolization (L) and after embolization (R)

Occipital AVM before embolization (L) and after embolization (R)

What are the Side Effects?

Every patient is different. Some minor side effects maybe observed shortly after embolization of na AVM by some patients, but most feel perfectly fine. The side effects are usually temporary and should subside within a few days to weeks.

Headaches are not infrequently reported. They will usually subside, but if they are persistent, the doctor will prescribe a short course of medication and this will usually take away the headache.

Other possible complications include stroke like symptoms such as weakness in one arm or leg, numbness, tingling, speech disturbances and visual problems. The risk of embolization is low for serious complications such as permanent stroke or death. The estimated risk should be discussed with your doctor.

Bleeding After Embolization Treatment

It is important for you to know that embolization will not usually completely close off an AVM. A person may still bleed from an AVM in such a case. It is not known whether or not partial embolization treatment reduces the risk of future bleeding.

What are the Advantages of Embolization Treatment?

• Embolization is very useful in making the AVM smaller in size in order to be suitable for radiation treatment.
• Embolization is very useful to reduce the blood flow through the AVM just before surgery. This makes it much easier for the surgeon to remove the AVM.
• Can be early repeated and staged.
• Chances of a cure with embolization alone are about 20%.
• No open surgical procedure.
• Short hospital stay.

What are the Disadvantages?

• This form of treatment can only be done if the AVM is made up of vessels that can be reached with the catheters.
• Multiple sessions may be required.
• There is a small chance of a stroke in about 1-3% occurring as the result of the treatment.
• The chance of bleeding every year in a partially treated AVMs is likely reduced by embolization, but not eliminated.
  

from...
----------------------------

--------------------------

He seems to be straight about the head.... too bad that is not what they say about me....

I got no news when it comes to my favorite subject... me. I still manage to have a bit of a cold... yuck.
And I'm tired.... gonna go back to bad.... uuuuuuummmmm bed!!!!
on that note.... off I go.




Yesterday.


All You Need Is Love - The Beatles


The Beatles Hello Goodbye

There are some really good videos of the Beatles on youtube... go give the a look....

One little one... and some me too...

This is the story of my experiences into the unknown and heretofore unheard of world of Arteriovenous Malformations (AVM). My name is Mike and I have one. I have also begun this blog to give personal and ongoing testimony to the fact that, as the Bible says, God causes all things to work together for good to those who love Him and are called according to His purposes (Romans 8:28). Many kind people have asked me to keep them up to date on what is happening. This is my attempt to do just that. I knew that the day of October 23, 2008 was not going to be a typical Thursday morning when I awoke to a man trying to place an oxygen mask on my face as I regained consciousness from a severe seizure.

It was 5:30 a.m. and I awoke to a room full of people and a crying wife. I was confused and could not comprehend what was going on but I knew enough to apologize to one of the Earlham First Responders for making him get out of bed at 5:00 in the morning! Dan kindly explained that I had just had a seizure and that they were there to help me.

I then sat up on the edge of the bed and I remember the words of Psalm 73:26-27 coming directly to my confused mind: “My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” Nothing else made any sense to me at that moment, but that comforting promise from God’s Word calmed my soul like nothing else could have done. I am a follower of Jesus Christ. For twenty eight years I have sought to live my life in a manner pleasing to Him. I am also the pastor of Crossroad Evangelical Free Church in Earlham, Iowa, but don’t let that impress you, for I am fully aware of the great Reformation principle of simultaneously justified and yet still a sinner (simul iustus et peccator).

Though I have been cleansed by the blood of Christ through faith in His finished work on the Cross and His subsequent resurrection three days later, I am also painfully aware of the fact that I still sin against God every day in thought, word, deed, as well as in those good things left undone. Nevertheless, the grace of God to me on this surreal morning came with an unmistakable promise from God’s Word to my confused mind.

I then stood up and walked over to the dresser to put some jeans on over the boxer shorts I had worn to bed the night before. With all of the people in my bedroom it just seemed like the right thing to do. I think the medical personnel were surprised to see me hop up out of bed so quickly…from a state of apparent unconsciousness to jumping out of bed. I think it’s funny.

The medical personnel then explained that they wanted to take me to the hospital by ambulance. I put up a weak resistance because I knew that this was nothing to trifle with. So, I walked out to the front porch where the paramedics strapped me to a gurney and loaded me up. It was a rather pleasant 30 minute trip to Iowa Methodist Medical Center. Upon entering the E.R. we noticed that there was hardly anyone else in there. Good. I could receive the full attention of all the doctors.

As my mind began to clear up a bit I began to process what had happened and I reasoned that the seizure was just a fluke thing. After all, lots of people have a seizure at some point in their lives. Then began the battery of tests. The first test I was subjected to was a CT scan. My wife Karla became concerned when the test went on long past the time the techs said it would. Not long after this was completed an ER doctor entered the room to explain that I had a rather large AVM and briefly explained what it was. It was then that I was informed that I would be required to stay in the hospital for more tests.

I was extremely disappointed to have to stay overnight in the hospital. I hadn’t done that since I was five years old and had my tonsils out. For lack of space on other floors they put me on the heart floor with lots of truly sick people. I entered the room and sat on a chair next to my wife in blue jeans and a t-shirt. Minutes later a doctor entered the room and asked me if I was the brother of the patient…apparently since I was not in the bed. He did not notice the IV on my opposite arm.

I explained that I was comfortable where I was and that I didn’t see any need to get into the hospital bed. The nurse explained that patients normally lay in the beds with the hospital gowns. And here is the highlight of these two days. I politely but firmly refused to put on the ridiculous hospital gown with the wide open back door. Though I was still in somewhat of a loopy state, even Karla admits that I refused in a way that was as polite as was possible. An understanding nurse asked me if I would be ok wearing doctor’s scrubs. I said “Yes.” And that’s what I wore for two days and one night…to the amusement of doctors, surgeons, interns, and med students alike. To have even a bit of control over a difficult situation is not only comforting but it’s also a bit fun.

(Please click on the next entry Tests, More Tests, and Some Tough News if you want to find out important details about what was really going on with me).

from...

--------------------------------------

-------------------------------------

Y'all don't know this, well may by you do know, but a section of us "people" need to write down this stuff.... hoping that somehow we'll find some new meaning to what had happened... and may be some new treatment, when we read someone's blog, or medical paper.

Someone else back me up? please...

Well it is time for me to go... looking for some miracle cure.

Peach out...

R

Got One.... More me... I guess....

Management and clinical outcome of posterior fossa arteriovenous malformations – report on a single center 15 years experience

Leodante B da Costa Jr^1*, Laurent Thines ¹, Amir R. Dehdashti ¹, Michael C. Wallace ¹, Robert A Willinsky ¹, Michael Schwartz ¹, Michael Tymianski ¹ and Karel Terbrugge ¹

¹ University of Toronto, Canada

^* To whom correspondence should be addressed. E-mail: leodante@gmail.com.

Objectives: Posterior fossa brain arteriovenous malformations (PFbAVMs) are rare lesions. Management is complicated by eloquence of adjacent neurological structures, multimodality treatment is often necessary and obliteration not always possible. We describe our 15-year experience in the management of posterior fossa brain AVMs with focus on clinical outcome.

Methods: From 1989 to 2004, prospectively collected information on 106 patients with diagnosis of a PFbAVMs was obtained. Clinical and angioarchitectural characteristics, management options and complications are described and reviewed to evaluate their impact on final outcome as measured by mRS (modified Rankin Score).

Results: Ninety-eight patients were followed for an average of 3.3 years (1-14.6). Male to female ratio was 1:1. Ninety-five out of 98 patients (96.9%) were symptomatic at presentation, with 61 (62.2%) intracranial hemorrhages. Sixty-two patients were treated (46 cerebellar, 16 brainstem). Ten hemorrhages occurred in follow up (4.1%/year). Modified Rankin Score was obtained in 62 patients and was classified as low (good, mRS 2) or high (poor, mRS 3). Hemorrhage was the only predictor of poor mRS at presentation (p=0.0229). A poor clinical outcome was correlated with the presence of AA (p=0.0276), a poor initial mRS (p<0.0001)> of treatments needed (p=0.0434). Patients were significantly more likely to improve than to deteriorate over time (p=0.0201).

Conclusion: The final clinical outcome in PFbAVMs relates directly with the presence of associated aneurysms, number of treatments needed to occlude the AVM and mRS at presentation. Overall, patients are more likely to improve than to deteriorate with management, and expedite, more definitive treatment is probable a better choice in patients with good mRS after hemorrhage.

---

-------------
Me?
Well today is pretty blaaa... if you know what i mean.
I woke up, just to go back to bed. Slept 2 hours.
I got something to say... I just need to say, my Dr. is a nice guy, and I agree with most that he has to say.... but when he gave me 6 months to recover, I say balls to that!
Look at my typing at 6 months... I was a fuggnig mess.
Don't get me wrong... I am still a mess, but to compare to me at 6 months , I am getting along just fine now.

So make a donation or don't.
But common along, help me say it... Dr. More... you are wrong.

feel bad...

i feel bad that i have to let my spouse mow the lawn... but i will be damned if i can get my toes to behave!!

so while she is mowing i will talk to you.

American Idol well it is going along just as i saw it.

David Cook... hes prety good.


David Archusomething....

and thats aboutt it....

kisses and hugs!