The evaluation of cerebral arteriovenous malformation begins with a medical history and physical examination.

Physical findings in someone with a cerebral arteriovenous malformation may include:

• Abnormal eye muscle exam
• Abnormal eye pupil exam
• Confusion
• Difficulty speaking
• Difficulty walking
• Lethargy:
• A condition of excessive sleepiness or drowsiness.
• Memory problems
• Muscle weakness
• Weakness on one side of the body
• Numbness on one side of the body
• Papilledema:
• Evidence of increased pressure inside the brain on examination of the retina and optic nerve

The diagnosis of cerebral arteriovenous malformation must be confirmed through testing.

Tests that may be used to evaluate cerebral arteriovenous malformation include:

• CT scanning of the brain: usually shows an acute bleed
• MRI scanning of the brain
• Lumbar puncture:
• A small number of people with subarachnoid hemorrhage may only be detected by this test
• Cerebral angiogram:
• This test can identify an aneurysm and its exact location.