What kind of epilepsy does AVM cause?

Epilepsy secondary to AVM can result in either focal seizures or generalized seizures, depending on the location of the AVM and its proximity to major brain structures:

- Focal seizures are those that begin in one specific area of the brain. Temporal lobe epilepsy is the most common type of focal epilepsy caused by AVM. Symptoms of temporal lobe epilepsy can include seizures with features such as staring spells, automatisms (repetitive movements such as lip smacking or hand rubbing), and impaired awareness or consciousness. Frontal lobe epilepsy is another type of focal epilepsy that can be caused by AVM. Symptoms of frontal lobe epilepsy can include seizures with features such as motor movements (such as jerking or stiffening of the limbs), speech difficulties, and changes in behavior or personality.

- Generalized seizures are those that affect both sides of the brain at the same time. Tonic-clonic seizures (formerly known as grand mal seizures) are the most common type of generalized seizure. Symptoms of tonic-clonic seizures include loss of consciousness, stiffening of the body, jerking movements of the limbs, and loss of bladder control. Absence seizures (formerly known as petit mal seizures) are another type of generalized seizure that can be caused by AVM. Symptoms of absence seizures include brief periods of staring, blinking, or fluttering of the eyelids, with or without loss of consciousness.

In some cases, AVM can also lead to a syndrome of progressive neurological deterioration, known as Sturge-Weber syndrome. Sturge-Weber syndrome is characterized by seizures, intellectual disability, and a distinctive facial birthmark known as a port-wine stain.