Spetzler-Martin AVM Grade — free guideline decision tool
Grade a brain arteriovenous malformation (AVM) for surgical risk with the Spetzler-Martin scale (grade 1–5).
Open guideline tool →Guideline-based
Implements the decision logic from published clinical guidelines.
Runs in your browser
No installation. Enter the patient's values and get a guideline recommendation instantly.
Data stays local
Nothing is uploaded. Results are for licensed clinicians only.
Worked calculation
The values below come from this tool's own example placeholders and are computed server-side with the formula shown on this page, so the arithmetic can be checked quickly. It demonstrates how to substitute values only — it is not clinical advice and not a real case.
| AVM maximum diameter | Small < 3 cm (1) |
|---|---|
| Adjacent eloquent brain | Non-eloquent (0) |
| Venous drainage | Superficial only (0) |
→S-M grade1
- Components：size + eloquence + deep venous drainage
| AVM maximum diameter | Large > 6 cm (3) |
|---|---|
| Adjacent eloquent brain | Eloquent (1) |
| Venous drainage | Deep component (1) |
→S-M grade5
- Components：size + eloquence + deep venous drainage
Common questions
What is Spetzler-Martin AVM Grade?
Grade a brain arteriovenous malformation (AVM) for surgical risk with the Spetzler-Martin scale (grade 1–5).
How is Spetzler-Martin AVM Grade calculated? What is the core formula?
Grade = size (1–3) + eloquence (0–1) + deep venous drainage (0–1). I–II low surgical risk, III intermediate, IV–V high risk.
When is Spetzler-Martin AVM Grade used?
Estimate microsurgical morbidity/mortality risk and support treatment selection.
What are the key clinical points for Spetzler-Martin AVM Grade?
Higher grades favor radiosurgery/embolization or observation. Eloquent areas include motor/sensory/language/visual cortex, thalamus, internal capsule, brainstem and cerebellar peduncles. The Lawton-Young supplementary score can refine decisions.
What are the limits and cautions when using Spetzler-Martin AVM Grade?
For licensed clinicians and clinical researchers. Interpret results with history, investigations and local protocols; not a diagnosis or prescription, and not a substitute for multidisciplinary decision-making or local guidelines.
How is Spetzler-Martin AVM Grade calculated in practice? Can you show a worked example?
Inputs: AVM maximum diameter Small < 3 cm (1), Adjacent eloquent brain Non-eloquent (0), Venous drainage Superficial only (0) → Result: S-M grade 1（Components: size + eloquence + deep venous drainage） Inputs: AVM maximum diameter Large > 6 cm (3), Adjacent eloquent brain Eloquent (1), Venous drainage Deep component (1) → Result: S-M grade 5（Components: size + eloquence + deep venous drainage）
Run Spetzler-Martin AVM Grade now
Grade a brain arteriovenous malformation (AVM) for surgical risk with the Spetzler-Martin scale (grade 1–5).
Open guideline tool →For licensed clinicians. Not a substitute for clinical judgement.
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