Knowing what to expect after treatment for AVMs (arteriovenous malformations) can help you have a smooth recovery. Whether you have had endovascular embolization, stereotactic radiosurgery, surgery or a combination of these treatments, Barnes-Jewish Hospital is equipped to manage every aspect of your AVM recovery.
After you receive AVM treatment from our experienced neurosurgeons, you will be cared for by a team of attentive, highly trained neuroscience nurses, stroke-specialized vascular neurologists and neurointensivists, who are neurology-trained intensive care unit physicians dedicated to our neuro ICU. As Barnes-Jewish is an Academic Medical Center (AMC) and partner of Washington University School of Medicine, you will have immediate access to an expert physician at any time.
Request a call to schedule an appointment with a Washington University neurosurgeon at Barnes-Jewish Hospital.
AVM Recovery Time
Your AVM recovery time will depend on the type of procedure or surgery you had and whether the treatment was in an emergency or planned. It may also depend on the type of anesthesia and your condition, general health, age and other factors. Your care team will go over the specifics with you well in advance of your scheduled treatment.
After stereotactic radiosurgery, you will go home the same day. In most cases, patients who had this treatment can resume normal activities in a couple of days.
Barnes-Jewish is a high-volume neurological center and sees the majority of AVM patients in the St. Louis region. High-volume centers benefit patients because they are proven to help those with elective surgeries have shorter surgery and recovery times, as well as fewer complications. We are able to treat even the most complex AVMs with a high success rate.
AVM Recovery Centers at Barnes-Jewish Hospital
Our state-of-the-art facility has 115 beds reserved for neuroscience patients. You will be moved to a certain recovery area depending on your AVM treatment and stage of recovery.
Neuro-Intensive Care Unit
If you have had AVM embolization or surgery, you will be admitted into our specialized, 20-bed neurology intensive care unit (neuro ICU). This unit offers advanced life support for stroke patients, as well as an expert recovery team that will monitor and help you in the first days of recovery. As part of our early mobility program, we will work to get you out of bed and moving as soon as possible to help shorten your hospital stay and improve your outcome.
Your care team at our neuro ICU will include intensive care doctors who coordinate with specialists, such as:
Critical Care Area
If you had a ruptured AVM, you may be admitted to the Critical Care Area for overnight observation. This 24/7 post-anesthesia recovery area is specially designed for neurological procedure patients.
Neuro Step-Down Unit & Floor
After treatment and your stay in the neuro ICU, you may be moved to the step-down unit. This recovery area has 21 beds and advanced monitoring equipment, allowing you to be observed from the nurses station. You will receive more specialized care here than on a general floor, since many of the neuroscience nurses are certified in stroke and neurocritical care.
Neuro Nursing Units
The neuro nursing units include more resources than a typical nursing unit. Our specially trained neurology and neurosurgery nurses complete specialized nursing assessments while providing our patients with personal care.
The Rehabilitation Institute of St. Louis
Patients recovering from a ruptured AVM may visit The Rehabilitation Institute of St. Louis. You will decide this with your social worker and case manager, based on your needs.
Washington University School of Medicine offers stroke and brain injury rehabilitation services at The Rehabilitation Institute of St. Louis. This is a 40-bed inpatient unit where you will receive care from neurologists, neuropsychiatrists and psychologists, psychiatrists, and speech and occupational therapists who specialize in neurorehabilitation.
The outpatient center is dedicated to patients with cerebrovascular disease and includes neuropsychological services, a day program and a specialty clinic for those with cognitive or language difficulties.
To make an appointment with a Washington University neurosurgeon at Barnes-Jewish Hospital, call 888.994.2545.