ABSTRACT
Brain arteriovenous malformations (BAVMs) are rare central nervous system disorders that are responsible for significant long-term morbidity and mortality. Their decisive treatment requires complete obliteration of the BAVM nidus to prevent future hemorrhage. The primary therapeutic options include microvascular neurosurgery, stereotactic radiosurgery, and endovascular embolization. Although curative in some cases, embolization usually is combined with surgery or radiosurgery for definitive therapy. Embolization is associated with significant risks that must be balanced against potential benefits in each patient. When performed by experienced operators in appropriately selected cases, embolization improves the overall safety and efficacy of BAVM treatment.
