title: Arteriovenous malformations and headache.
abstract: Brain arteriovenous malformations (AVM) are complex vascular lesions commonly associated with chronic headache. An occipital location appears to increase the risk of concurrent migraine-like headaches in AVM patients. We have experienced great success in treating these headaches through a multidisciplinary approach to eradicate cerebral AVM. However, the specific clinical characteristics of AVM-associated headaches and the most effective treatment strategies for these patients remain unclear. Here, we provide a comprehensive review of the literature on AVM-associated headaches. We detail the history, classification, epidemiology, presentation, pathophysiology, treatment options, and outcomes for this poorly described condition. Additionally, we illustrate our approach to the management of patients with occipital AVM and associated intractable headaches.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurological Surgery, Columbia University Medical Center, 710 West 168th Street, New York, NY 10032, USA. Electronic address: jae2109@columbia.edu.
authors.forename: Jason A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Ellis
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurological Surgery, Columbia University Medical Center, 710 West 168th Street, New York, NY 10032, USA.
authors.forename: Juan C
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Mejia Munne
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurological Surgery, Columbia University Medical Center, 710 West 168th Street, New York, NY 10032, USA.
authors.forename: Sean D
authors.initials: SD
authors.lastname: Lavine
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurological Surgery, Columbia University Medical Center, 710 West 168th Street, New York, NY 10032, USA.
authors.forename: Philip M
authors.initials: PM
authors.lastname: Meyers
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurological Surgery, Columbia University Medical Center, 710 West 168th Street, New York, NY 10032, USA.
authors.forename: E Sander
authors.initials: ES
authors.lastname: Connolly
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurological Surgery, Columbia University Medical Center, 710 West 168th Street, New York, NY 10032, USA.
authors.forename: Robert A
authors.initials: RA
authors.lastname: Solomon
mesh_terms: D006261:Headache / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D002538:Intracranial Arteriovenous Malformations / Q000150:complications*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
keywords: Aura; Brain hemorrhage; Headache; Migraine; Stroke; Vascular malformation