Some small deep lesions can be most safely treated this way Disadvantages Lesions larger than 2.5cm are unlikely to be treated effectively. It takes two years for protection from bleeding after radiation. Embolization Advantages Does not require a Craniotomy. Eloquent deep areas can be treated by doing small areas at a time and allowing the surrounding brain to recover. Testing of the importance of the area can be done by injection of medication into the area before permanent treatment is done.
Disadvantages Often requires multiple treatments.
Is less likely than the other methods to totally obliterate the AVM when used alone. Combination of Treatments Advantages Can be tailored to the specific AVM type and patient considerations. Disadvantages Requires additional steps, time and coordination. Under X-ray guidance, a small tube, a catheter is guided from the femoral artery in the leg up into the area to be treated. A neurological exam is performed before and after a small amount of medicine is injected.