Cavernoma Awareness Day held on 21st August this year aims to raise awareness of the condition and symptoms of cavernoma. Cavernomas usually develops in individuals between the ages of 20 and 40. 1 in every 40,000 people are diagnosed with the condition each year. Half of cavernoma cases are genetic.
What is Cavernoma?
Cavernomas appear in a raspberry-like shape as a malformation of abnormal blood vessels, commonly found in the brain and spinal cord. Cavernoma clusters are also known as cavernous haemangiomas, cerebral cavernous malformation (CCM) and cavernous angiomas. These clusters cannot spread to other parts of the body and are not cancerous. The size of the clusters usually ranges from a few millimetres to several centimetres. Cavernomas are susceptible to bleeding due to thin cell lining.
Symptoms include:
- Headaches
- Haemorrhage
- A haemorrhagic stroke
- Seizures
- Weakness, numbness and fatigue
- Problems with memory and concentration
- Neurological symptoms affecting speech, vision, causing dizziness and tremors.
Diagnosing cavernoma
Cavernoma is most often diagnosed after a ‘bleed’ that causes symptoms to manifest. The most reliable method of diagnosis is an MRI scan.
Treatment
Cavernoma affects each person differently and treatment is dependant on location and size of the cavernoma. There are three treatment options:
- Medications and monitoring for potential bleeds
- Neurosurgery for the removal of the cavernoma
- A single targeted dose of radiation through stereotactic radiosurgery – considered for more dangerous and riskier cavernomas.
Homepage – Cavernoma Alliance UK (CAUK)
Cavernoma Alliance UK (CAUK) provide support, information and therapy for those affected by cavernoma. CAUK also arrange events to share experiences.
If you have concerns about the care that you or a family member has received, please contact our specialist team for a no-obligation consultation on 0116 254 7456 or at enquiries@moosaduke.com.