Cavernous malformations: What parents need to know

They’re among the more common cerebrovascular problems in kids. But few parents have heard of cavernous malformations until their own child is diagnosed. These small masses are comprised of abnormal, thin-walled blood vessels. While they can occur anywhere in the body, they’re most likely to cause problems when they form in the brain and spinal cord. “Many different types of abnormal blood vessels can exist in the brain, but what makes cavernous malformations different is that they’re usually made up of very-low-flow blood vessels,” explains Dr. Edward Smith, co-director of the Cerebrovascular Surgery and Interventions Center at Boston Children’s Hospital. “This means that they can sit dormant for a very long time, but if they bleed, they can cause seizures and a host of other neurologic problems.” Here are four other things to know about cavernous malformations. There’s often no known cause. Cavernous malformations occur when small blood vessels in the brain called capillaries group together into enlarged or irregular masses. The vast majority of cavernous malformations are single lesions that are not genetically transmitted, with no real risk to any other family members. That said, a small percentage of cavernous malformations may be inherited when certain genetic mutations are passed from parent to child. If a parent or sibling has a history of cavernous malformations, it’s a good idea to have your child screened for them. Symptoms can come and go. C...
Source: Thrive, Children's Hospital Boston - Category: Pediatrics Authors: Tags: Ask the Expert Diseases & Conditions cavernous malformations Cerebrovascular Surgery and Interventions Center Dr. Edward Smith Source Type: news