Seizure Rates after Stereotactic Radiosurgery for Cerebral AVMs: A Single Center Study

ABSTRACT Objective Seizure control after stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) for arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) is an area of growing interest, with previous studies reporting up to 70% seizure freedom after treatment. The goals of this study were to identify specific patient and AVM characteristics associated with seizure presentation and seizure outcomes following SRS treatment. Methods A retrospective review of consecutive patients undergoing SRS for brain AVMs between 2009 and 2019 at our institution was conducted. Chi square and logistic regression analyses were utilized to identify patient and AVM factors associated with pre-operative seizure presentation and development of new onset seizures after SRS. Results Two-hundred and ten consecutive patients presenting with AVMs treated with SRS were reviewed. Factors associated with seizure presentation included larger AVM size (p = 0.02), superficial venous drainage (p Conclusions Seizures are a common presentation of brain AVMs and can be treated effectively with SRS. However, seizures can also be a complication of SRS and are associated with post-treatment hemorrhage, edema and need for future open surgery.