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Vascular malformations of the brain
A guide for patients and carers
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Cavernous malformations (cavernomas)
A cavernous malformation is a small, round cluster of abnormal, enlarged blood vessels. It is purple and resembles a blackberry. Some doctors might call it a cavernoma, a cavernous angioma, or a cavernous haemangioma.
Cavernous malformations vary in size from just a millimetre to several centimetres across and can be found anywhere within the brain. Sometimes, they are associated with a nearby developmental venous anomaly.
Cavernous malformations might grow but they are not cancerous (they are not linked to brain tumours) and they are not infectious.
A genetic cause has been identified for some people affected by cavernous malformations and they can occur in different generations of the same family. These families experience a mutation in a gene on the seventh chromosome. Cavernous malformations usually occur on their own but the people in these families often have several cavernous malformations.
We do not yet know why cavernous malformations occur in people who do not have relatives who have also been affected. However, some people can develop cavernous malformations after receiving radiation treatment involving the brain.
Cavernous malformations might grow but they are not cancerous (they are not linked to brain tumours) and they are not infectious.
What causes cavernous malformations?
A genetic cause has been identified for some people affected by cavernous malformations and they can occur in different generations of the same family. These families experience a mutation in a gene on the seventh chromosome. Cavernous malformations usually occur on their own but the people in these families often have several cavernous malformations.
We do not yet know why cavernous malformations occur in people who do not have relatives who have also been affected. However, some people can develop cavernous malformations after receiving radiation treatment involving the brain.
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Contents
- What are vascular malformations of the brain?
- Arteriovenous malformations (AVMs)
- Cavernous malformations (cavernomas)
- Developmental venous anomalies (venous malformations)
- Moyamoya disease
- Common questions about vascular malformations of the brain
- Symptoms of vascular malformations of the brain
- Tests and investigations for vascular malformations of the brain
- Possible treatments for vascular malformations of the brain
- Embolisation
- Stereotactic radiosurgery
- Neurosurgery (craniotomy)
- Other treatments for vascular malformations of the brain
- Everyday activities
- Research into vascular malformations of the brain
- Health professionals working with vascular malformations of the brain
- Useful contacts, support groups and further reading
- Thank you
- Your feedback on Vascular malformations of the brain
