Dural arteriovenous fistulas
Dural arteriovenous fistulas (abnormal connections in the spinal cord membrane) can result in lower vein pressure
About
Need to know
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Symptoms of Dural arteriovenous fistulas icon plus
The symptoms of dural arteriovenous fistulas are often split into benign or aggressive symptoms. Aggressive dAVF symptoms are normally brought on by bleeding on the brain or other neurological conditions. They include:
- seizures, speech or language issues
- nausea, vomiting and headaches
- burning or prickling sensations
- coordination problems
- facial pain
- weakness
- apathy
- failure to thrive
Benign dAVF symptoms can include
- hearing issues and tinnitus
- vision problems
- swelling in the eye lining
- cavernous sinus syndrome
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Diagnosis icon plus
Your HCA UK consultant will discuss your symptoms with you. If they suspect dural arteriovenous fistulas, they may recommend the following diagnostic tests:
- CT head scan. An imaging test that can produce a detailed image of inside your head and help us to find out if there is blood on the brain.
- MRI scan. Another imaging test that can help us determine the shape and extent of the fistula.
- Catheter-based cerebral angiography. A type of X-ray that can help us find fistulas and understand their structure and nature.
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Potential treatment options icon plus
If you've been diagnosed with dural arteriovenous fistulas, your HCA UK consultant will discuss your treatment options with you. These might include:
- An endovascular procedure (performed by a specialist radiologist). This involves inserting a long, thin tube (catheter) into the fistula and blocking it using a coil or a glue-like substance.
- Stereotactic radiosurgery. This involves using radiation waves block the fistula's abnormal connection in the blood vessels.
- Surgery. This involves disconnecting the fistula using surgical techniques.
Our consultants
From complex surgery to straightforward procedures, we provide exceptional care across our network of hospitals, outpatient centres and specialist clinics.
Our facilities
From complex surgery to straightforward procedures, we provide exceptional care across our network of hospitals, outpatient centres and specialist clinics.
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London Bridge Hospital
27 Tooley Street
London
SE1 2PR
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The Wellington Hospital
Wellington Place
St John's Wood
London NW8 9LE
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The Harley Street Clinic
35 Weymouth Street
London W1G 8BJ
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Chelsea Outpatients
272 & 280 Kings Road
London SW3 5AW
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The Lister Hospital
Chelsea Bridge Road
London
SW1W 8RH
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Devonshire Diagnostic Centre
16 Devonshire Street
Marylebone
London W1G 7AF
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HCA UK at The Shard
The Shard
32 St Thomas Street
London SE1 9BS
Book an appointment
Our team can help with any enquiries or you can make an appointment with one of our experienced consultants.
Call us today
020 7079 4344