Cerebral cavernomas are blood vessel malformations, which often causes problems in the brain and spinal cord.
They have the appearance of a small berry, with different diameters, and although they can be hereditary, they most commonly appear sporadically.
When a cavernous malformation rupture, bleeding in the brain or spinal cord, can trigger a variety of neurological symptoms, among which can be found:
- Recurrent episodes of bleeding can cause seizures, especially when the cavernomas are present in the frontal or temporal lobe.
- Vision alterations, when malformations form in the brainstem, basal ganglia, or upper spinal cord.
- Weakness, instability, difficulty speaking and understanding others
- Intense headaches
- Progressive neurological alterations.
Complications
Cavernous malformations are usually benign and asymptomatic, but complications can also arise when recurrent bleeding, or hemorrhage, leads to progressive neurological damage.
The chances of recurrent bleeding occur when the malformations are located in the brain stem.
In any case, it is vitally important to seek medical help when seizures, severe and sudden headaches, nausea and vomiting, or any of the other symptoms I mentioned above occur.
Treatment
Neurosurgeons and other physicians specializing in brain and nervous system diseases developed a three-step treatment to treat brain cavernomas:
- Observation: In the presence of an asymptomatic brain cavernoma, we carry out surveillance work, using magnetic resonance imaging, to observe if the malformation presents changes.
- Medications: We use them as a possible solution, to stop seizures related to a cavernous malformation.
- Surgery: If the symptoms are related to a cerebral cavernoma that can be accessed surgically, we remove the malformation.
To achieve optimal results in this field of surgery, I rely on the most advanced technologies in magnetic resonance imaging and tractography.
I am Dr. Andrés Morales, a specialist in neurovascular surgery. To request an appointment or make a consultation, contact me, I am here to help you.
