A Cavernous Malformation is a cluster of abnormal blood vessels. They may occur elsewhere in the body but generally only become problematic when they occur in the brain or spinal cord. If these malformations leak they may cause bleeding in the brain. Depending on the location of the cavernous malformation it may cause neurological symptoms.
Symptoms include:
- Weakness
- Numbness
- Vision changes and severe headaches
Some people with a cavernous malformation experience no symptoms at all.
Treatment
Your neurosurgeon will determine if surgery is the best treatment based on symptoms and the location and size of the cavernous malformation. Sometimes the best treatment is no surgery at all and your neurosurgeon may recommend thorough, continual observation.
Surgery:
References: American Association of Neurological Surgeons, National Institute of Neurological Disease and Stroke.
