As we often do, today we are going to address a question that many people at home may have when they hear the words: brain cavernoma: Is it dangerous?
This is precisely why we have created this space, to resolve queries and provide valuable information that, although they do not replace a diagnosis, can shed light on how and what to ask a specialist.
But let’s start at the beginning: what is a brain cavernoma?
It is, in simple words, a vascular malformation (abnormally formed blood vessels) that occurs when the brain is just developing.
These malformations can be one (single) or there may be several in different parts of the brain, which is the central part of our nervous system. This “swarming” condition is called cavernomatosis multiplex.
This disease – which has the appearance of small blackberries installed in the brain – can be due to hereditary causes, appear after focal brain radiation therapy or for no apparent reason, and causes serious health problems.
This is especially so because cerebral cavernous malformations can leak blood and cause bleeding in the brain or hemorrhage in the spinal cord. That’s where it gets dangerous.
Now, what are the symptoms of a brain cavernoma?
- Seizures (due to blood clots in the upper lobe)
- Vision or focus problems (double vision occurs if malformations are in the brainstem, basal ganglia, or spinal cord)
- Intense headache
- Nausea and vomiting
- Difficulty speaking
- Difficulty understanding others (understand what they say)
- Problems with balance
- And numbness may even occur on one side of the body
In other words, the symptoms are quite strong and can prevent you from enjoying a healthy and active life, so it is important to consult a neurosurgeon as soon as possible, since neurological problems can progressively worsen over time.
How can a brain cavernoma be diagnosed?
It should be done by an expert neurosurgeon, basically, from the inquiry with the patient, observing their symptoms, and complementing with methods such as magnetic resonance imaging.
The good news is that this condition has a cure.
There are a number of treatments depending on the progress of the disease, the size and location of the malformation.
If you think you might be suffering from a brain cavernoma, contact me. I will provide you with personalized attention, and with absolute transparency I will participate in the entire process so that we can build a path to your recovery.
