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Cerebral cavernous venous malformations, commonly known as cavernous hemangioma or cavernoma, are common cerebral vascular malformations, usually with characteristic appearances on MRI. Cavernous malformations are found throughout the body. This article focuses on cerebral cavernous venous malformations. Often, people with cerebral cavernous malformations (CCMs) don't show any signs or symptoms. Your diagnosis may result from brain imaging for other neurological conditions, or specific symptoms may prompt your doctor to pursue more extensive testing.
Cerebral cavernous malformationA cerebral cavernous malformation is an abnormally formed blood vessel, shaped like a small mulberry, which can form in the brain or spinal column and may result in a wide range of neurological symptoms.Cerebral cavernous malformations (CCMs) are abnormally formed blood vessels. As opposed to other kinds of hemangiomas, CCM vessels, which have the appearance of a small mulberry, develop and create problems in the brain or spinal cord. These malformations, which can vary in size from 2 millimeters to several centimeters in diameter, may be hereditary but most often occur on their own. SymptomsCerebral cavernous malformations (CCMs) may exist without apparent symptoms. Obvious symptoms tend to occur when recurrent episodes of bleeding or blood clot formation lead either to seizures, for upper lobe CCMs, or to focal or vision issues, for CCMs in the brainstem, basal ganglia and spinal cord.Generally, signs and symptoms of CCMs may include weakness, numbness, difficulty speaking, difficulty understanding others, unsteadiness, vision changes or severe headache. Seizures also can occur, and neurological issues can progressively worsen over time with recurrent bleeding (hemorrhage). Repeat bleeding can occur soon after an initial bleed or much later, or a repeat bleed may never occur.
When to see a doctorSeek medical help immediately if you experience any symptoms of seizure, or signs and symptoms that suggest brain hemorrhage, such as:. Sudden, severe headache. Nausea.
Vomiting. Weakness or numbness on one side of the body. Difficulties in speaking or understanding speech. Loss of vision.
Double vision. Balance difficulties. CausesMost CCMs occur as a single formation, without an apparent cause and without any family history.However, roughly 20 percent of affected people have a familial (inherited) form of the disorder. In many cases, such people can identify similarly affected family members, most often with multiple malformations. A diagnosis of the inherited form can be confirmed by genetic testing.Some CCMs can also occur following focal brain radiation therapy. Risk factorsAs mentioned above, while most CCMs occur with no clear cause, the genetic (inherited familial) form of the condition can cause multiple cavernous malformations, both initially and over time.To date, research has identified three genetic variants responsible for familial cavernous malformations, to which almost all familial cases of cavernous malformations have been traced. ComplicationsThe most concerning complications of CCMs stem from recurrent bleeding (hemorrhage), which may lead to progressive neurological damage.Hemorrhages are more likely to recur in people with prior diagnosed hemorrhages.
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