The genesis of brain arteriovenous malformations remains enigmatic. We reviewed some pathways involving inflammatory and angiogenic signals that are amenable to the study of genetic single-nucleotide polymorphisms associated with the sporadic disease. Such study can yield insights into arteriovenous malformation pathogenesis and suggest possible fruitful approaches to developing medical therapy. Moreover, single-nucleotide polymorphisms identification would provide targets for risk stratification for planning clinical trials and eventually guiding management.