Cavernous angioma is a benign tumor formed by an abnormal buildup of blood vessels in the brain or spinal cord and rarely in other parts of the body.
Cavernous angioma consists of small blisters containing blood, which can be diagnosed by MRI.
- In general.
- Cavernous angioma is hereditary and in these cases it is normal to have more than one angioma; however.
- It may develop after birth.
- In isolation.
- Or be associated with a venous angioma.
Cavernous angioma can be dangerous because when it is large it can compress areas of the brain and cause symptoms such as balance and vision problems or seizures, for example, cave angioma can bleed, which can cause paralysis, neurological damage or even death, especially if it is located in the brainstem, responsible for vital functions, such as breathing or heart rate.
Symptoms of cavernous angioma vary by location, but may include
Cavernous angioma is usually diagnosed only when it causes symptoms, using tests such as MRI.
Treatment of cavernous angioma is usually only necessary when it causes symptoms; In this way, the neurologist may prescribe antiepileptic medications or pain relievers to reduce seizures and treat headaches, respectively.
Surgery to remove cavernous angioma is also a form of treatment, but it is only done when seizures do not go away with medication, as the cavernous angioma bleeds or increases in size over time.