Recomendation for the management of the brain arteriovenous malformations

Intracranial arteriovenous malformations constitute an heterogenous group of lesions that represent a real challenge to the neurosurgeon. Their variability in size, topography, angioarchitecture, etc., and also the multiple clinical presentations, lead to varied therapeutic approaches. There is no international consent regarding how to treat malformations of similar features. This fact is influenced by the different therapeutic options, and the personal experience in the management of these lesions. Based on the former considerations, the FLANC (Latin American Federation of Neurosurgery), through its Vascular Commitee, published in 1993 the first guidelines in the management of arteriovenous malformations. The advances in the diagnosis and treatment verified in the past last years, has motivated the authors to review and actualize these first guidelines. The intention of these guidelines is to provide the neurosurgeon support when facing these lesions, and does not mean that they should be strictly followed.