Coping and support

Learning that you have an AVM can be frightening. It can make you feel like you have little control over your health. But you can take steps to cope with the emotions that accompany your diagnosis and recovery. Consider:

• Learning enough about AVM to make informed decisions about your care. Ask your doctor about the size and location of your AVM, and what that means for your treatment options.
• Accept your emotions. Complications of AVM, such as hemorrhage and stroke, can cause emotional problems as well as physical ones. Coming to terms with the diagnosis might help.
• Keep friends and family close. Friends and family can provide the practical support you'll need, such as accompanying you to doctors' appointments, and serve as emotional support.
• Find someone to talk with. Talking to a friend or family member, a counselor, medical social worker, clergy member, or support group about your hopes and fears can be helpful. Ask your doctor about support groups in your area. Or check your phone book, library or a national organization, such as the American Stroke Association or The Aneurysm and AVM Foundation.

An AVM might be diagnosed in an emergency situation, immediately after bleeding (hemorrhage) or a seizure has occurred. It can also be detected after other symptoms prompt imaging scans.

But in some cases, an AVM is found during diagnosis or treatment of an unrelated medical condition. You may then be referred to a doctor trained in brain and nervous system conditions (neurologist, interventional neuroradiologist or neurosurgeon).

Because there's often a lot to discuss, it's a good idea to arrive well-prepared for your appointment. Here are some tips to help you get ready for your appointment, and what to expect from your doctor.