The case for and against AVM radiosurgery.

AVM radiosurgery has been in practice for over 30 years and is now a common method to manage properly selected patients with brain AVMs. The techniques have been refined along with our understanding of the expected response. It is this understanding of expected outcomes that should allow a rational discussion of the pertinent issues for management of patients with AVMs. Some patients will require multimodality approaches. All AVM patients should seek to understand whether stereotactic radiosurgery is an appropriate option for their problem.