How is Arteriovenous Malformation AVM diagnosed?

A doctor may suspect an AVM as the culprit for brain issues such as a hemorrhage or other similar problem but the only way to tell for sure is through an Angiogram/Angioplasty or an MRI (usually an MRI with contrast).

Angioplasty uses a catheter input to the Femoral Artery. A dye is shot into the area to see blood flow and can spot the telltale cluster of an AVM.

My AVM was diagnosed after a battery of tests after being admitted to the hospital. I assume that the diagnosis came after the results of an MRI & spinal tap. The AVM diagnosis was the "worst case scenario".

MRI, CT scan, angiogram

Usually by MRI. But I have found that doing an MRA and MRV show the veins and arteries much bettter!

Diagnosis is now with MRI scans though CT scans can also give an accurate diagnosis, until it was possible to map blood vessels inside the brain, this could not be diagnosed, most people only develop symptoms in the 40s and 50s, it is a birth defect, only 1 0r two in every 18 cases will develop symptoms. It is still a rare occurrence with a measured incidence of between 0.01% and 2% of the population, as it is invisible to the naked eye, it could be possible that the 2% might be true, however the most important thing is that once you have been diagnosed, that your GP updates this on their records, and gains some understanding of the implications for your future care. There is a raised risk of Delirium in Urinary tract infections, and if your circulation is abnormal, confusion can occur which can be mistaken for mental illness

MRI scan. Neurosurgeons are essential for those diagnosed with Arteriovenous Malformation AVM to seek care once they have been diagnosed.

Brain scan/ MRI. Other exclusionary tests presumably may be involved.