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Warning-sign checks

Cerebral arteriovenous malformation: when to get help

Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.

  1. 1

    Is any of this happening now?

    Call 911

    Sudden severe headache, a new neurological problem, loss of consciousness, or a prolonged or repeated seizure requires emergency care rather than waiting for a routine appointment.

    Other emergency signs, for anyone
    • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
    • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
    • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
    • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
    • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
    • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
    • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
    • Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
  2. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    Contact the care team promptly about treatment side effects, increasing symptoms, or difficulty taking prescribed medicine.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Follow-up depends on whether the AVM is being observed, has been treated, or has previously bled.

    Routine care may include neurological examinations, review of headaches or seizures, and repeat MRI, MRA, CT angiography, or catheter angiography.

The article also says

After treatment, imaging is used to check whether the AVM has closed completely.

A person may need monitoring even when an early scan looks reassuring.

The type and timing of imaging depend on the treatment used, the person's age, and the specialist team's findings.

Attend scheduled visits and report changes in seizure pattern, headaches, memory, balance, or daily function.

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Cerebral arteriovenous malformation. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.