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Cavernoma
Also know as a cerebral cavernous malformation, a cavernoma is an abnormal collection of blood vessels in the brain or spine.
What is a cavernoma?
A cavernoma is an abnormal collection of blood vessels in the brain or spinal cord. Also referred to as cavernous malformations, cavernomas vary in size and look a bit like mulberries.
They can sometimes compress the structures of the brain, leading to bleeding or other neurological conditions. When this happens, we at HCA UK can help.
Need to know
Quite often, cavernomas won't lead to any symptoms. When they do, these might include:
- bleeding (haemorrhage)
- haemorrhagic stroke
- headaches
- seizures
- dizziness
- slurred speech
- double vision
- shaking weakness
- numbness
- tiredness
- difficulty concentrating
People with cavernomas don't often have symptoms, so they're often only picked up on during tests for other conditions.
However, if your GP or consultant think you may have a cavernoma, they may recommend an MRI and/or a CT scan. Both are imaging tests which show the brain and spinal cord in great detail.
However, if your GP or consultant think you may have a cavernoma, they may recommend an MRI and/or a CT scan. Both are imaging tests which show the brain and spinal cord in great detail.
If you've been diagnosed with a cavernoma, your GP or neurologist will discuss your treatment options with you. They might prescribe medicines to treat symptoms like headaches and seizures.
If you're likely to experience bleeding (haemorrhage), they might recommend neurosurgery to remove the cavernoma or stereotactic radiosurgery to target the cavernoma with radiation energy.
If you're likely to experience bleeding (haemorrhage), they might recommend neurosurgery to remove the cavernoma or stereotactic radiosurgery to target the cavernoma with radiation energy.
Our Cavernoma locations
The Wellington Neurosurgery Centre
8A Wellington Road NW8 9LE London
Patient stories
Yvette's story: From back pain to hip replacement surgery
Yvette (54) a journalist from Kent, started experiencing pain in her hip seven years ago in 2015. An ex-national gymnast who had been incredibly active and flexible her whole life, Yvette felt concerned about the growing discomfort impacting her quality of life, and so sought help from her GP.
A new hip and straight back into the spin of things
David’s gym video shows him repeatedly pushing up to 100kg on a single leg press – not particularly unusual for this keen cyclist, former competitive squash player and all-round fitness enthusiast. What is unusual is that 52-year-old David had hip surgery just 12 weeks earlier.
Michael's MAKO hip surgery to treat his arthritis
73 year-old Michael, an avid walker and charity worker, was diagnosed with arthritis in January 2021. After facing long waiting times and increasing pain that was becoming more frequent, he started to look elsewhere for treatment.
This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.