Cavernous malformations occur in 0.3-0.5% of the population and in 1/200 people between the ages of 30-50. Pathologically, a cavernoma contains vascular channels without the typical architecture of normal blood vessels. Headache, bleeding and seizures are the most common presenting events although a proportion of lesions are discovered incidentally. Hemorrhage rates range from 0.5% to 6% annually; bleeding rates are higher in brainstem cavernomas or in those that had bled previously. Apart from surveillance of asymptomatic lesions, treatment is limited to surgery and is indicated in patients with hemorrhagic lesions, in those with intractable seizures or who have suffered from a neurological disability.
The video below illustrates techniques necessary to safely remove a cavernous malformation deep to the primary motor cortex.
Have More Questions about This Condition
Radio host makes airwaves with stroke – and complete recovery
Today, Marisol Vargas is the mother of a vivacious 2½-year-old. But in 2019, she ended up permanently on a daily baby...
Overcoming Essential Tremors: Bob Bosloper’s Story
Reclaiming Your Future: Dana Raleigh’s Story
It Was, Indeed, a Problem Unfortunately, Dana had multiple fractures in her back that she was either born with or...
Flourishing After Parkinson’s Diagnosis: Sandy Deck’s Story
This video highlights the story of Sandy Deck, who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease and struggled with…
Discovering New Strength: Patty Petrula’s Story
Patty Petrula was training for her first triathlon when she collapsed at the gym and was rushed to the hospital, where Dr. Daniel Walzman determined she had suffered a ruptured brain aneurysm.
22-year-old Makes Incredible Recovery from Both COVID-19 and Stroke: Danny Dominguez’s Story
As a 22-year-old man, Danny Dominguez isn’t the typical stroke patient. The first time he experienced shortness of breath and headache accompanied by a throbbing sensation in April 2020, he went to a nearby hospital and was sent home with pain medication.
How Neurosurgeon Roy D. Vingan Cured One Patient’s Chronic Back Pain: Stephen Tinney’s Story
Surgery as a Last Resort Many patients with back pain can improve without surgical intervention, and more often than...
Newark Woman Uses Gift Of Hope To Fight Parkinson’s Disease: Susan O’Rourke’s Story
Susan O’Rourke has a gift: she can see hope where others see depression. Now, the president of Newark-based nonprofit Artfront Galleries is harnessing that ability to find a new pathway forward from her battle with Parkinson’s disease.
Surviving Multiple Aneurysms: Michele Blum’s Story
Michele Blum is an actress who lives to be on the stage. But when multiple aneurysms left her in a coma, Michele’s future was far from certain. That’s when Dr. Reza Karimi of New Jersey Brain and Spine entered the stage and found the one path recovery.