What Is a Cerebral Cavernous Malformation?
A cerebral cavernous malformation, or CCM, is a group of abnormal blood vessels found in the brain or spinal cord. These blood vessels have thin walls that can leak or bleed more easily than normal vessels.
Some people with CCM never develop symptoms. Others may experience neurological problems if the malformation affects nearby brain or spinal cord tissue.
Some CCMs are linked to inherited genetic changes passed through families. Others happen without a known cause. These malformations are believed to develop early in life, although symptoms may not appear until adulthood
Symptoms
Symptoms can vary from person to person depending on where the malformation is located and whether bleeding occurs.
Possible symptoms include:
- Headaches
- Seizures
- Weakness or numbness
- Vision or hearing changes
- Trouble with balance or coordination
- Memory or thinking difficulties
- Speech problems
- Stroke-like symptoms caused by bleeding in the brain
How Is It Diagnosed?
Providers diagnose CCM using a combination of neurological exams and imaging tests. An MRI is the most common tool used because it can clearly show abnormal blood vessels in the brain or spinal cord.
Additional testing may include CT scans, EEG testing for seizures, or genetic testing when there is a family history of CCM.
How Is It Treated?
Treatment depends on the size and location of the malformation, along with your symptoms and bleeding risk.
Some people only need regular monitoring with MRI scans and follow-up visits. Medications may help manage symptoms such as seizures or headaches.
In certain cases, surgery may be recommended to remove the malformation, especially if it has caused repeated bleeding or difficult-to-control seizures. Recovery can vary depending on the area of the brain involved and whether bleeding has occurred.
