A cavernoma is a medical term used to describe a rare type of vascular malformation that affects the central nervous system. Also known as a cavernous angioma or cerebral cavernous malformation, a cavernoma is characterized by a cluster or grouping of abnormally thin-walled blood vessels, or caverns, in the brain or spinal cord.
These abnormally formed blood vessels are prone to leakage and can result in the accumulation of blood within the caverns, which can cause various neurological symptoms. Symptoms may include seizures, headaches, weakness or numbness in the extremities, difficulty with balance or coordination, and, in some cases, even hemorrhaging or stroke-like symptoms.
A cavernoma is typically diagnosed using various imaging techniques, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT) scans. Treatment options for cavernomas depend on the severity and location of the malformation, as well as the presence or absence of symptoms. In cases where symptoms are present or the cavernoma is at risk of bleeding, surgical removal or other interventions, such as radiation therapy or medication, may be considered.
Due to their unpredictable nature and potential complications, cavernomas require ongoing monitoring and management by a team of healthcare professionals, including neurologists, neurosurgeons, and interventional radiologists.
