Spinal Arteriovenous Malformation – Symptoms and Causes
Overview
Spinal arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) are rare vascular abnormalities involving irregular connections between arteries and veins near the spinal cord. These formations occur when normal blood vessel pathways are disrupted, creating tangled clusters of vessels.
Although uncommon, spinal AVMs can affect individuals at any age and may have a significant impact on spinal cord function. Many people with spinal AVMs don’t know they have the condition until symptoms appear.
Signs and Symptoms
Spinal arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) can cause various symptoms that differ from person to person. These symptoms depend on the location and severity of the AVM.
Some individuals may not notice any symptoms for years, while others might experience life-threatening complications.
Most people begin to notice symptoms in their 20s, though they can appear earlier or later. Some patients are diagnosed before age 16.
Symptoms may develop suddenly or gradually and can include:
- Difficulty walking or climbing stairs
- Numbness, tingling, or sudden leg pain
- Weakness on one or both sides of the body
As the condition progresses, additional symptoms may develop:
- Severe, sudden back pain
- Loss of sensation in the legs
- Urinary or bowel problems
- Headaches
- Neck stiffness
When to Contact a Healthcare Provider
If you experience any symptoms that might suggest a spinal AVM, schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider. Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent serious complications and improve outcomes.
Causes
Spinal arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) have no clearly identified cause. Most of these conditions are congenital, meaning people are born with them. However, some spinal AVMs can develop later in life.
In a healthy spinal system, blood flows from arteries into capillaries, where oxygen is delivered to spinal tissue, before moving into veins. In spinal AVMs, this process is disrupted.
The condition causes abnormal tangles of blood vessels to form near the spinal cord. These tangles create direct connections between arteries and veins, bypassing the capillaries entirely.
This disruption leads to two main issues:
- Spinal tissue doesn’t receive enough oxygen, which can result in cell damage or death.
- The tangled vessels are prone to rupture, leading to bleeding within the spinal cord.
As blood flow increases through these abnormal channels, the AVM may enlarge and press against the spinal cord, worsening the risk of complications.
Medical research continues to investigate why these abnormal connections between arteries and veins form in the spinal area. Spinal arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) have no identified risk factors. This condition affects both men and women at equal rates.
Complications
Without proper treatment, spinal arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) can lead to progressive disability as they damage the spinal cord and surrounding tissues.
Movement Problems
People with untreated spinal AVMs commonly experience difficulty moving their limbs. This mobility impairment can range from mild weakness to severe paralysis depending on the location and severity of the AVM.
Sensory Disturbances
Many patients report uncomfortable sensations such as:
- Pain in affected areas
- Tingling sensations
- Numbness in limbs or torso
Structural Damage
The abnormal blood vessel formations can cause physical damage to the spine itself. This structural damage may contribute to further neurological problems.
Aneurysm Formation
Blood vessels weakened by an AVM can bulge, creating an aneurysm. These balloon-like outpouchings of blood vessels pose additional risks to spinal health.
Vascular Pressure Issues
High blood pressure in the veins (venous hypertension) is a serious complication of spinal AVMs. This pressure problem can lead to two dangerous conditions:
- Edema – Fluid buildup in and around the spinal cord
- Spinal cord infarction – Death of spinal tissue due to oxygen deprivation
Hemorrhage
Bleeding from abnormal blood vessels can occur suddenly. When hemorrhage happens, it often accelerates damage to the spinal cord, causing rapid neurological deterioration.
The progression of these complications varies from person to person. Some individuals may experience slow worsening of symptoms over years, while others might face sudden deterioration if bleeding occurs.
