Overview
Facial arteriovenous malformation (AVM) is a condition where abnormal connections form between arteries and veins in the face. Normally, blood flows from arteries through tiny capillaries before reaching veins. In an AVM, blood bypasses these capillaries and flows directly from arteries to veins, creating a tangled cluster of abnormal blood vessels. This can cause the affected area to swell, become warm to the touch, and sometimes pulsate visibly under the skin. The condition is present from birth, though it may not become noticeable until later in childhood or even adulthood, often growing slowly over time. Note that this specific Orphanet entry (156230) has been marked as obsolete, meaning it has been reclassified or merged into a broader category of arteriovenous malformations. Facial AVMs can range from mild cosmetic concerns to serious medical problems including pain, bleeding, tissue damage, and in rare cases heart strain from the abnormal blood flow. Treatment typically involves a combination of approaches including embolization (blocking the abnormal vessels from the inside) and sometimes surgery. Complete cure can be difficult because these malformations tend to recur. A team of specialists usually manages care, and treatment decisions depend on the size, location, and symptoms of the malformation.
Key symptoms:
Visible swelling or lump on the faceWarm area on the skin over the malformationPulsating or throbbing sensation in the affected areaSkin discoloration such as redness or a bluish tintPain or tenderness in the faceBleeding from the skin or mouth near the malformationFacial asymmetry or disfigurementUlceration or breakdown of the skin over the malformationDifficulty eating or speaking if near the mouthHeadachesIncreased heart rate or heart strain in severe casesNumbness or tingling in the faceGrowth of the malformation over time especially during puberty or pregnancy
Sporadic
Usually appears on its own, not inherited from a parent
Variable
Can begin at different ages, from infancy through adulthood
Treatments
No FDA-approved treatments are currently listed for OBSOLETE: Facial arteriovenous malformation.
View clinical trials →Clinical Trials
View all trials with filters →No actively recruiting trials found for OBSOLETE: Facial arteriovenous malformation at this time.
New trials open frequently. Follow this disease to get notified.
Specialists
View all specialists →No specialists are currently listed for OBSOLETE: Facial arteriovenous malformation.
Treatment Centers
8 centersBaylor College of Medicine Rare Disease Center ↗
Baylor College of Medicine
📍 Houston, TX
🏥 NORDStanford Medicine Rare Disease Center ↗
Stanford Medicine
📍 Stanford, CA
🔬 UDNNIH Clinical Center Undiagnosed Diseases Program ↗
National Institutes of Health
📍 Bethesda, MD
🔬 UDNUCLA UDN Clinical Site ↗
UCLA Health
📍 Los Angeles, CA
🔬 UDNBaylor College of Medicine UDN Clinical Site ↗
Baylor College of Medicine
📍 Houston, TX
🔬 UDNHarvard/MGH UDN Clinical Site ↗
Massachusetts General Hospital
📍 Boston, MA
🏥 NORDMayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine ↗
Mayo Clinic
📍 Rochester, MN
👤 Mayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine
🏥 NORDUCLA Rare Disease Day Program ↗
UCLA Health
📍 Los Angeles, CA
Travel Grants
No travel grants are currently matched to OBSOLETE: Facial arteriovenous malformation.
Community
No community posts yet. Be the first to share your experience with OBSOLETE: Facial arteriovenous malformation.
Start the conversation →Latest news about OBSOLETE: Facial arteriovenous malformation
No recent news articles for OBSOLETE: Facial arteriovenous malformation.
Follow this condition to be notified when news becomes available.
Caregiver Resources
NORD Caregiver Resources
Support, advocacy, and financial assistance for caregivers of rare disease patients.
Mental Health Support
Rare disease caregiving can be isolating. Connect with counseling and peer support.
Family & Caregiver Grants
Financial assistance programs specifically for caregivers of rare disease patients.
Social Security Disability
Learn how rare disease patients may qualify for SSDI/SSI benefits.
Questions for your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment
- Q1.What stage is my AVM, and how likely is it to grow or change over time?,What treatment options are available for my specific case, and what are the risks and benefits of each?,Should I be tested for any genetic conditions that could be related to my AVM?,How often should I have imaging or follow-up appointments to monitor the malformation?,Are there any activities or situations I should avoid to prevent complications?,What should I do if the AVM starts bleeding?,Are there any clinical trials or new treatments being studied that might be appropriate for me?
Common questions about OBSOLETE: Facial arteriovenous malformation
What is OBSOLETE: Facial arteriovenous malformation?
Facial arteriovenous malformation (AVM) is a condition where abnormal connections form between arteries and veins in the face. Normally, blood flows from arteries through tiny capillaries before reaching veins. In an AVM, blood bypasses these capillaries and flows directly from arteries to veins, creating a tangled cluster of abnormal blood vessels. This can cause the affected area to swell, become warm to the touch, and sometimes pulsate visibly under the skin. The condition is present from birth, though it may not become noticeable until later in childhood or even adulthood, often growing sl
How is OBSOLETE: Facial arteriovenous malformation inherited?
OBSOLETE: Facial arteriovenous malformation follows a sporadic inheritance pattern. Genetic counseling can help families understand recurrence risk and testing options.