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AVM
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AVMAn AVM (arteriovenous malformation) is a congenital disorder (one present at birth) of blood vessels in the brain, brainstem, or spinal cord that is characterized by a complex, tangled web of abnormal arteries and veins connected by one or more fistulas (abnormal communications).The AVM has no capillary bed of its own and the fistulas in the AVM permit high-speed, high-flow shunting of blood from the arterial to the venous side of the circulation. This shunting causes low blood pressure (hypotension) in the arterial vessels feeding the AVM and neighboring areas of the brain that they normally supply with blood.AVMs typically cause problems before the age of 40. The most common symptoms of AVM include hemorrhaging (bleeding), seizures, headaches, and neurological problems such as paralysis or loss of speech, memory, or vision. The frequency of hemorrhage in various series ranges from 30-82%. AVM rupture accounts for 2% of all strokes.
RELATED TERMS--------------------------------------
Congenital
Present at birth.
Blood
The life-maintaining fluid which is made up of plasma, red blood cells (erythrocytes), white blood cells (leukocytes), and platelets; blood circulates through the body's heart, arteries, veins, and capillaries; it carries away waste matter and carbon dioxide, and brings nourishment, electrolytes, hormones, vitamins, antibodies, heat, and oxygen to the tissues.
Brain
"That part of the central nervous system that is located within the cranium (skull). The brain functions as the primary receiver, organizer and distributor of information for the body. It has two (right and left) halves called ""hemispheres."" "
Brainstem
The lowest part of the brain which merges with the spinal cord and provides the major route by which the upper realms of the brain send information to, and receives information from, the spinal cord and peripheral nerves. The brainstem consists of the medulla oblongata, midbrain, and pons. All but two of the 12 cranial nerves originate in the brainstem. The brainstem influences basic processes such as alertness, breathing, blood pressure, and heart rate.
Cord
1. In anatomy, a long ropelike structure. 2. Short for the spinal cord or the umbilical cord.
Abnormal
Not normal. Deviating from the usual structure, position, condition, or behavior. In referring to a growth, abnormal may mean that it is cancerous or premalignant (likely to become cancer).
Arteries
Blood vessels that carry blood away from the heart to the arms, legs, head, body and organs.
Veins
Blood vessels that carry blood from the arms, legs, head and body organs back to the heart.
Capillary
A small, blood-containing vessel connecting the veins and arteries.
Venous
Having to do with a vein.
Circulation
The flow of blood through the body. Includes the heart, arteries, veins and capillaries.
Hemorrhaging
Heavy bleeding. A cerebral hemorrhage can lead to a stroke.
Neurological
The medical science that deals with the nervous system and disorders affecting it.
Paralysis
Inability to move parts of the body.
Memory
In the immune system, memory denotes an active state of immunity to a specific antigen, such that a second encounter with that antigen leads to a larger and more rapid response.
Vision
The sense of sight.
Hemorrhage
A general term for loss of blood, often profuse, brought about by injury to the blood vessels or by a deficiency of certain necessary blood elements such as platelets.
Rupture
A break or tear in any organ or soft tissue.
SIMILAR TERMS--------------------------------------
PREVIOUS AND NEXT TERMS--------------------------------------
Avery
See: Avery, Oswald Theodore
Avery, MacLeod, and McCarty
"Authors of a scientific paper entitled ""Studies on the chemical nature of the substance inducing transformation of pneumococcal types"" "
Avian flu
See: Avian influenza.
Avian influenza
Also called fowl plague, avian flu, and bird flu. A highly contagious viral disease with up to 100% mortality in domestic fowl. Caused by influenza A virus subtypes H5 and H7. All types of birds are susceptible to the virus but outbreaks occur most often in chickens and turkeys. The infection may be brought by migratory wild birds which can carry the virus but show no signs of disease. Humans are only rarely affected.
Avian tuberculosis
See: Tuberculosis, avian.
AVM
AVM (arteriovenous malformation)
An arteriovenous malformation (AVM) is a congenital disorder (one present at birth) of blood vessels in the brain, brainstem, or spinal cord that is characterized by a complex, tangled web of abnormal arteries and veins connected by one or more fistulas (abnormal communications).
AVN
Avascular necrosis.
Avulse
To separate or tear away a body part, as from an accident or surgery. While playing football, he avulsed a spinous process.
Avulsion
Tearing away. A nerve can be avulsed by an injury, as can part of a bone.
Avuncular
1. Literally, relating to an uncle. 2. Figuratively, suggestive of an uncle, as in geniality. 3 In medical genetics, pertaining to an aunt or uncle. An avuncular relationship is the genetic relationship between aunts and uncles and their nieces and nephews. From the Latin avunculus, meaning maternal uncle. The feminine equivalent of avuncular is materteral (like an aunt).
RELATED TERMS--------------------------------------
Congenital
Present at birth.
Blood
The life-maintaining fluid which is made up of plasma, red blood cells (erythrocytes), white blood cells (leukocytes), and platelets; blood circulates through the body's heart, arteries, veins, and capillaries; it carries away waste matter and carbon dioxide, and brings nourishment, electrolytes, hormones, vitamins, antibodies, heat, and oxygen to the tissues.
Brain
"That part of the central nervous system that is located within the cranium (skull). The brain functions as the primary receiver, organizer and distributor of information for the body. It has two (right and left) halves called ""hemispheres."" "
Brainstem
The lowest part of the brain which merges with the spinal cord and provides the major route by which the upper realms of the brain send information to, and receives information from, the spinal cord and peripheral nerves. The brainstem consists of the medulla oblongata, midbrain, and pons. All but two of the 12 cranial nerves originate in the brainstem. The brainstem influences basic processes such as alertness, breathing, blood pressure, and heart rate.
Cord
1. In anatomy, a long ropelike structure. 2. Short for the spinal cord or the umbilical cord.
Abnormal
Not normal. Deviating from the usual structure, position, condition, or behavior. In referring to a growth, abnormal may mean that it is cancerous or premalignant (likely to become cancer).
Arteries
Blood vessels that carry blood away from the heart to the arms, legs, head, body and organs.
Veins
Blood vessels that carry blood from the arms, legs, head and body organs back to the heart.
Capillary
A small, blood-containing vessel connecting the veins and arteries.
Venous
Having to do with a vein.
Circulation
The flow of blood through the body. Includes the heart, arteries, veins and capillaries.
Hemorrhaging
Heavy bleeding. A cerebral hemorrhage can lead to a stroke.
Neurological
The medical science that deals with the nervous system and disorders affecting it.
Paralysis
Inability to move parts of the body.
Memory
In the immune system, memory denotes an active state of immunity to a specific antigen, such that a second encounter with that antigen leads to a larger and more rapid response.
Vision
The sense of sight.
Hemorrhage
A general term for loss of blood, often profuse, brought about by injury to the blood vessels or by a deficiency of certain necessary blood elements such as platelets.
Rupture
A break or tear in any organ or soft tissue.
SIMILAR TERMS--------------------------------------
PREVIOUS AND NEXT TERMS--------------------------------------
Avery
See: Avery, Oswald Theodore
Avery, MacLeod, and McCarty
"Authors of a scientific paper entitled ""Studies on the chemical nature of the substance inducing transformation of pneumococcal types"" "
Avian flu
See: Avian influenza.
Avian influenza
Also called fowl plague, avian flu, and bird flu. A highly contagious viral disease with up to 100% mortality in domestic fowl. Caused by influenza A virus subtypes H5 and H7. All types of birds are susceptible to the virus but outbreaks occur most often in chickens and turkeys. The infection may be brought by migratory wild birds which can carry the virus but show no signs of disease. Humans are only rarely affected.
Avian tuberculosis
See: Tuberculosis, avian.
AVM
AVM (arteriovenous malformation)
An arteriovenous malformation (AVM) is a congenital disorder (one present at birth) of blood vessels in the brain, brainstem, or spinal cord that is characterized by a complex, tangled web of abnormal arteries and veins connected by one or more fistulas (abnormal communications).
AVN
Avascular necrosis.
Avulse
To separate or tear away a body part, as from an accident or surgery. While playing football, he avulsed a spinous process.
Avulsion
Tearing away. A nerve can be avulsed by an injury, as can part of a bone.
Avuncular
1. Literally, relating to an uncle. 2. Figuratively, suggestive of an uncle, as in geniality. 3 In medical genetics, pertaining to an aunt or uncle. An avuncular relationship is the genetic relationship between aunts and uncles and their nieces and nephews. From the Latin avunculus, meaning maternal uncle. The feminine equivalent of avuncular is materteral (like an aunt).
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This dictionary contains 19186 terms.
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