Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 14, 2026
14:58
Comprehensive Endovascular and Open Surgical Management of Cerebral Arteriovenous Malformations
Published on: October 20, 2017
Cervical spine arterio venous malformation
1Department of Emergency Medicine, Tameside Hospital, Ashton-Under-Lyne, UK. giridharparla@yahoo.com
BMJ Case Reports
|January 26, 2013
Summary
A young patient experienced sudden neck pain and arm numbness after lifting weights, rapidly progressing to neurological deficits. Investigations revealed a spinal cord arteriovenous malformation, a rare cause of such symptoms.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Neurosurgery
- Vascular Neurology
Background:
- Sudden onset neurological deficits can indicate serious underlying conditions.
- Cervical spine injuries and brachial plexus issues are common considerations for neck and arm symptoms.
Observation:
- A young patient presented with acute left-sided neck pain and left arm numbness post-exertion.
- Neurological examination revealed upper limb deficits, progressing to bilateral limb numbness, aphasia, and respiratory compromise.
- Rapid deterioration necessitated intubation and mechanical ventilation.
Findings:
- Diagnostic investigations identified a spinal cord arteriovenous malformation (AVM) as the cause of the patient's symptoms.
- Spinal cord AVMs are rare vascular anomalies that can present with diverse neurological manifestations.
Implications:
- This case highlights the importance of considering vascular lesions in the differential diagnosis of acute neurological deficits, even in young individuals.
- Prompt diagnosis and management of spinal cord AVMs are crucial to prevent irreversible neurological damage.
- Further research into the pathophysiology and optimal treatment strategies for spinal cord AVMs is warranted.
Related Concept Videos
01:26Arteries of the Head and Neck
The human body's intricate network of arteries ensures that every organ system receives the necessary oxygen and nutrients for optimal function. The arterial network in the head and neck region is particularly complex, providing vital blood flow to the brain, eyes, and other critical structures. Prominent arteries in this region include the internal carotid arteries and the vertebral arteries.
The internal carotid arteries supply blood to the anterior portion of the cerebrum. They enter the...
The internal carotid arteries supply blood to the anterior portion of the cerebrum. They enter the...
01:19Veins of Head and Neck
The blood drainage from the head and neck is primarily managed by three pairs of veins: the external jugular, internal jugular, and vertebral veins. The external jugular veins drain superficial scalp and face structures, passing over the sternocleidomastoid muscles to empty into the subclavian veins.
On the other hand, the vertebral veins, unlike their arterial counterparts, are not primarily responsible for brain drainage. Instead, they drain the cervical vertebrae, spinal cord, and some small...
On the other hand, the vertebral veins, unlike their arterial counterparts, are not primarily responsible for brain drainage. Instead, they drain the cervical vertebrae, spinal cord, and some small...
01:10The Arch of Aorta
The coronary arteries, originating from the ascending aorta, bifurcate from two sinuses located within the ascending aorta. Positioned just above the aortic semilunar valve, these sinuses house essential aortic baroreceptors and chemoreceptors, crucial for maintaining cardiac function. The left coronary artery and the right coronary artery branch off from the left posterior and anterior aortic sinuses, respectively.
Encircling the heart, the coronary arteries form a ring-like structure before...
Encircling the heart, the coronary arteries form a ring-like structure before...
01:20Venous Thrombosis II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies
The key difference between Superficial Vein Thrombosis (SVT) and Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) lies in their location and severity.Clinical ManifestationsSVT typically presents with localized pain, tenderness, and redness along the course of a superficial vein, often accompanied by a palpable, cord-like structure under the skin. This condition is usually less dangerous than DVT but can be uncomfortable and may lead to complications such as cellulitis or, rarely, a clot extension into the deep...
01:16Vascular Spasm
The vascular phase, also known as vasospasm, is the initial stage of hemostasis, crucial for preventing excessive bleeding when a blood vessel is injured. After a vessel is cut, nerves in the damaged area trigger pain and other sensory impulses. Simultaneously, the smooth muscles in the vessel wall contract, resulting in a vascular spasm. This contraction reduces the vessel's diameter at the injury site, slowing or stopping blood loss through the vessel wall. Vascular spasms typically last for...