What are the risks of arteriovenous malformations (AVMs)?

What are the risks of arteriovenous malformations (AVMs)?

The biggest risk of having an AVM is that it might bleed. If the AVM is in your brain, a brain bleed causes a stroke, brain damage or seizures. Because these areas are enclosed, AVMs can also press on and displace parts of your brain and spinal cord.

AVMs reduce the amount of oxygen in the areas in which they exist. A reduced oxygen level damages tissue.