What's a Cavernous Malformation?

A cerebral cavernous malformation (CCM) is a collection of small blood vessels (capillaries) in the central nervous system that is enlarged and irregular in structure. In CCM, the walls of the capillaries are thinner than normal, less elastic, and are likely to leak.

How do you treat cavernous malformation?

Treatment for cavernomas includes:
  1. Medication — If you are having seizures, you may be given medications to stop them.
  2. Surgery — You may need surgery to remove your cavernoma if you're experiencing symptoms.
  3. Genetic testing and counseling — If cavernomas run in your family, we may be able to identify the affected genes.

How serious is cavernous malformation?

While a cavernous angioma may not affect function, it can cause seizures, stroke symptoms, hemorrhages, and headaches. Approximately one in 200 people have a cavernoma. Many are present at birth, and some develop later in life, usually along with other endovascular abnormalities such as a venous malformation.

Sarah Jenkins

Sarah Jenkins

Senior Technology Editor & AI Specialist

Sarah Jenkins is a veteran tech journalist with over 12 years of experience covering artificial intelligence, mobile innovations, and digital ethics. Her insights have appeared in leading technology publications worldwide.