Possible complications:
(1) vascular rupture with hemorrhage (spontaneous, related to guidewire or catheter)
(2) thromboembolic-related neurologic deficit
(3) bleeding related to use of a thrombolytic
(4) hematoma at catheter insertion site
(5) arterial dissection
Neurologic deficits may include dysphasia, blindness, paresis, and hemiplegia.
A complication that resolved within one month was considered temporary. If it persisted after 1 month then it was more likely to be permanent.
Risk factors for complications:
(1) increasing patient age
(2) multiple embolizations
(3) higher dose of a thrombolytic
(4) treatment of an eloquent area of the brain
Additional risk factors for an arteriovenous malformation:
(1) venous drainage impairment
(2) higher grade
(3) fistula
