Disorders
We Treat
Brain
Arteriovenous Malformations (AVM)
The decisions related to treatment for brain AVM depend upon the complete
understanding of the competing risks vs. benefits. The important considerations
include the size and location of the brain AVM. Options for treatment
include brain AVM surgery, brain AVM embolization and brain AVM radiosurgery.
Brain AVMs require different treatments depending upon many factors.
Brain AVM Bleeding
The most neurologically devastating presentation associated with arteriovenous
malformations (AVMs) of the brain is intracerebral hemorrhage. Numerous
studies have estimated the natural risk of intracerebral hemorrhage associated
with AVMs at 3% to 4% per year. When an AVM is identified in a young,
otherwise healthy individual, one of several therapies (microsurgery,
radiosurgery, or endovascular therapy) is often considered in an attempt
to extirpate the lesion before a hemorrhage can occur.
AVM radiosurgery offers non-invasive treatment.
Selected patients with arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) are candidates
for treatment with radiosurgery, and in the majority of these cases, a
cure can be achieved.
Chordoma
The decisions related to treatment for the chordomas depend upon the complete
understanding of the competing risks vs. benefits for the different treatments
for chordomas. Options for chordomas treatment may include surgery, radiosurgery
and gamma knife. The important considerations include the size and rate
of growth of the chordoma as well as the progression of any symptoms (hearing,
balance, ringing).
Craniopharyngioma
The decisions related to treatments for the craniopharyngiomas depend
upon the complete understanding of the competing risks vs. benefits for
the different treatments for craniopharyngiomas. The important considerations
for craniopharyngioma treatment include the size, exact location, the
type of symptoms, and the progression of symptoms. Additional considerations
include the prior treatments (if any) including surgery and/or radiation
therapy, as well as the rate of progression of the symptoms including
vision and endocrine abnormalities.
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