Pregnancy Heightens Risk of Serious Brain Injury in Women with Arteriovenous Malformations

Recent research presented at the Society of NeuroInterventional Surgery's 22nd Annual Meeting highlights that pregnancy can significantly increase the risk of brain hemorrhages in women with arteriovenous malformations (AVMs). These abnormal tangles of blood vessels in the brain pose rupture dangers, potentially leading to severe injury or death.

Pregnancy induces hormonal changes and elevates blood volume, placing additional stress on both the cardiovascular system and the brain. A systematic review and meta-analysis conducted by researchers at the University of Mississippi Medical Center analyzed data from over 5,600 studies, narrowing down to 15 key articles involving pregnant women with brain vascular conditions.

The findings revealed that while pregnancy did not notably influence rupture rates for women with brain aneurysms or cavernous malformations, it markedly increased the likelihood of rupture in women with AVMs. This suggests that pregnancy-specific physiological changes might exacerbate the vulnerability of AVMs, elevating rupture risks during pregnancy.

"Our study underscores the need to further understand how pregnancy affects brain vascular conditions," stated Evan Bowen, a medical student involved in the research. "Enhanced knowledge will help healthcare providers develop better treatment strategies tailored for pregnant women with these serious conditions."

This research emphasizes the importance of vigilant monitoring and tailored management for pregnant women diagnosed with brain vascular anomalies, aiming to prevent life-threatening complications associated with AVM ruptures.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-07-pregnancy-significantly-worsen-brain-injury.html