Cavernous malformation

The cavernous sinus is a hollow area behind the eyes. Cavernous malformations are blood vessels in the brain and spinal cord that develop abnormally. If a cavernous malformation suddenly bursts, it can cause stroke or even death.

Cavernous malformation symptoms

A cavernous malformation doesn’t always cause symptoms, and even when it does, cavernous malformation symptoms may appear and disappear over months or years. A malformation can press on parts of your brain that control speech, vision or movement.

Cavernous malformation symptoms include:

• Coordination problems
• Trouble swallowing
• Headaches
• Hemorrhage
• Seizures
• Stroke
• Vision or speech problems
• Paralysis, weakness or numbness

Diagnosis

First, you’ll meet with your doctor for a physical exam and to discuss your medical history and potential cavernous malformation symptoms. Then, your doctor may check for neurological disorders by ordering imaging tests, such as an MRI, a CT scan or an EEG.

Treatment options

Treatment plans depend on the size and location of the malformation, the symptoms it’s causing and a person’s age.

Treatments include:

• Watchful waiting
• Anti-epileptic medication to control seizures
• Brain surgery to remove the mass
• Stereotactic radiosurgery using CyberKnife^®, in which a non-invasive, robotic system delivers high radiation therapy to tumors with pinpoint accuracy