What is a common symptom experienced by patients with a dural AV fistula?

Dural arteriovenous (AV) fistulas are abnormal connections between arteries and veins in the dura mater, which is the protective covering of the brain and spinal cord. One of the hallmark symptoms associated with these fistulas is tinnitus, often described as a ringing or buzzing in the ears.

Tinnitus in this context is thought to arise due to changes in blood flow or venous drainage patterns influenced by the abnormal shunting of blood through the fistula. The altered hemodynamics can lead to increased pressure in the venous system, resulting in auditory manifestations such as tinnitus, which may become more pronounced when the patient is in specific positions or performing certain activities.

Understanding the pathophysiology of dural AV fistulas helps clarify why tinnitus is a prominent symptom. Other symptoms may vary based on the location and extent of the AV fistula but are less commonly associated than tinnitus, thereby making it a defining characteristic of the condition.