Cavernous Malformation

Cavernous malformation (CM) (also known as cavernous angioma, cavernous hemangioma and cavernous vascular malformation) is a type of vascular malformation that occurs in the brain and/or spine. These malformations are made up of fragile arteries and veins that tend to leak small amounts of blood and can cause large brain hemorrhages resulting in permanent neurological deficits if not  treated.

Most people who have CM are born with them. There may be some genetic predisposition in some families for having this type of vascular malformation. Cavernous malformations can be asymptomatic.

Symptoms

Cavernous malformations can occur anywhere in the brain or spine. They are best diagnosed by MRI scans. 

Treatment Options

Treatment for cavernous malformations has dramatically improved in the last decade. New computer guided navigation developed at Stanford allows neurosurgeons to reach even the deepest parts of the brain to removed these lesions with relatively low risk. 

Cavernous malformations can occur anywhere in the brain or spine. They are best diagnosed by MRI scans.

The physicians at Stanford have treated several hundred patients with cavernous malformations with excellent long term outcomes. They have developed a special expertise in treating deep-seated cavernous malformations, including those in the brainstem, thalamus and basal ganglia.

Stanford Medicine Resources:

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