I have an AVM in my left frontal lobe about the size of a quarter. The neurosurgeon said I have two choices: Gamma Knife or craniotomy. Any advice on risks or recovery would be helpful in making my decision. I have to decide soon. Thank you and God Bless.
Nancy, there are many factors that influence that decision, and it’s best decided between you and your doctor. Is your doc leaving it up to you? Why do you have to decide soon? Perhaps a second opinion is in order, as it’s very important to find a doc with extensive experience with AVMs.
Nancy, please friend me. I had a family member who went to Dr. Belew in Orlando and the procedures he planned to do would have possibly made my loved one unable to speak or walk. I urge you to go to Shands for a second opinion. We went there and to John’s Hopkins and to Barrows Institute. All of them said NOT to do what Belew recommended. I have another friend who died after AVM surgery at ORI. Go for a second opinion!