Arteriovenous Malformation (AVM) Surgery Improves Student's Quality of Life

Since childhood, Marbella Ramirez suffered from chronic migraines. As she entered her senior year of college, the migraines became more frequent and severe. One night, the pain from a migraine lingered and caused her to miss several days of school. It was at the hospital where she was diagnosed with a ruptured arteriovenous malformation (AVM). AVMs are abnormal connections between an artery and a view located in the brain.

Ramirez was referred to UC San Diego Health where she received treatment from Dr. David Santiago-Dieppa and a multi-disciplinary team. The neurological team at UC San Diego Health has extensive experience treating AVMs. (Learn more about AVM care https://health.ucsd.edu/care/stroke-c...)

Ramirez recovered from the treatments. She has since graduated and is pursuing a master’s degree.

If you’ve been diagnosed with a neurological condition that requires surgery, you need a highly trained and experienced neurosurgeon. The Neurological Institute at UC San Diego Health is a comprehensive care and research center. To learn more, visit: https://health.ucsd.edu/care/neurolog...

Dr. David Santiago-Dieppa’s bio:
https://providers.ucsd.edu/details/10...

Dr. Alexander A. Khalessi’s bio:
https://providers.ucsd.edu/details/11...

00:00 Introduction to Marbella
00:12 Growing up with migraines
01:17 Arteriovenous malformation diagnosis
01:26 AVM treatment plan
02:16 Experts in AVM
02:49 AVM surgery recovery
03:29 Hope for the future