Vascular Erectile Tumor

Table of Contents (click to jump to sections)
What is Cavernous Malformation?
Is there any treatment?
What is the prognosis?
What research is being done?

Organizations

What is Cavernous Malformation?
Cavernous malformation is a rare disorder of the capillaries and smallest veins in one part of the brain. The disorder occurs when a blood-filled mass resembling a tumor, called a hemangioma, forms. Symptoms include headaches and seizures. Cavernous malformation is frequently inherited.

Is there any treatment?

Treatment for cavernous malformation is symptomatic and supportive. Surgery may be performed if the malformation is easily accessible and is causing seizures or bleeding in the brain. Surgical procedures may be considered too risky for some elderly patients.

What is the prognosis?

Cavernous malformation is not always life-threatening and often does not require any specific treatment. After surgery, patients generally improve, some quite significantly.

What research is being done?

The NINDS supports research on disorders of the central nervous system such as cavernous malformation. The goals of this research are to increase scientific understanding of these disorders and to find ways to prevent, treat, and, ultimately, cure them.

Select this link to view a list of studies currently seeking patients.

Organizations

National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD)
P.O. Box 1968
(55 Kenosia Avenue)
Danbury, CT 06813-1968
orphan@rarediseases.org
http://www.rarediseases.org
Tel: 203-744-0100 Voice Mail 800-999-NORD (6673)
Fax: 203-798-2291

Angioma Alliance
107 Quaker Meeting House Road
Williamsburg, VA 23188
info@angiomaalliance.org
http://www.angiomaalliance.org
Tel: 866-HEAL-CCM (432-5226) 757-258-3355

Prepared by:
Office of Communications and Public Liaison
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
National Institutes of Health
Bethesda, MD 20892

NINDS health-related material is provided for information purposes only and does not necessarily represent endorsement by or an official position of the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke or any other Federal agency. Advice on the treatment or care of an individual patient should be obtained through consultation with a physician who has examined that patient or is familiar with that patient's medical history.

All NINDS-prepared information is in the public domain and may be freely copied. Credit to the NINDS or the NIH is appreciated.

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Last updated February 12, 2007

This information has been provided by The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS).
Retreived on 8/6/2007