Optometry : journal of the American Optometric Association
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Arteriovenous malformation (AVM) in the occipital lobe has been known to cause visual symptoms and headaches. Arteriovenous malformation is a congenital anomaly that consists of abnormal arteries and veins without the presence of a capillary bed. The majority of patients initially manifest intracranial hemorrhage, while others manifest symptoms of seizures, headaches, and progressive neurological deficits. ⋯ Clinical differentiation of migraine from arteriovenous malformation is often regarded as difficult, since both conditions may manifest similar features of visual aura, with or without headaches. Early diagnosis and treatment of AVM may reduce the risk of serious complications. When a patient manifests alarming headaches with or without visual aura, neuro-imaging workup is warranted to rule out sinister causes.