Cavernoma

Also know as a cerebral cavernous malformation, a cavernoma is an abnormal collection of blood vessels in the brain or spine.

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x-ray review

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.
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.

Our Cavernoma locations

London Neurosurgery Partnership

78 Harley Street W1G 7HJ London
Neurological Rehabilitation Centre

Neurological Rehabilitation Centre

The Wellington Hospital North Building NW8 6PD London

Patient stories

Hear from past patients about their experience

This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.