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 The dura is a thin, leathery layer of tissue that covers the brain and spinal cord. It has a rich arterial supply and the main venous drainage from the brain is through channels in the dura known as sinuses. 

 Occasionally a direct connection (a fistula) can develop between the dural arteries and the draining veins or sinuses creating a kind of “short circuit” in the circulation. When untreated, DAVFs can cause bleeding in the brain or spinal cord, or cause neurological injury by impairing the normal blood flow in the central nervous system.  

  Occasionally a direct connection (a fistula) can develop between the dural arteries and the draining veins or sinuses creating a kind of “short circuit” in the circulation. When untreated, DAVFs can cause bleeding in the brain or spinal cord, or cause neurological injury by impairing the normal blood flow in the central nervous system.   

Spinal AVFs are also treated via endovascular approach.

This can present with weakness and difficulty to walk

 The most common treatments are catheter-based techniques, in which the abnormal artery to vein connection is closed.