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14 year old tested for angioma?

I have a cavernous angioma. Should my 14 year old be tested to determine if she has an angioma prior to giving ADHD stimulant medication?
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Avatar universal
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Thanks for using the forum. I am happy to address your questions, and my answer will be based on the information you provided here. Please make sure you recognize that this forum is for educational purposes only, and it does not substitute for a formal office visit with a doctor.

Without the ability to examine and obtain a history, I can not tell you what the exact cause of the symptoms is. However I will try to provide you with some useful information.

Cavernomas are vascular lesions without brain tissue between the vessels. Over time these can have microchemorrhages which may results in enlargement with time. They are typically incidentally found if no symptoms. Symptoms may include seizures or headaches. Rarely do they cause large hemorrhages. Familial cases typically have multiple cavernomas.

Cavernomas are “angiographically occult” meaning that they have minimal blood flow through them so tests of cerebral blood flow may miss them. (Also, changes in blood pressure such as from stimulants would be expected to have little to no effect). Once a cavernoma is found (typically with an MRI), referral to a neurosurgeon is recommended to weigh the benefit of removal against the risk of leaving. The natural history of these is difficult to predict. Those who have asymptomatic cavneromas tend to have better prognosis than those who have symptomatic cavernomas.

Thank you for this opportunity to answer your questions, I hope you find the information I have provided useful, good luck.

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Avatar universal
Thank you Dr. Newey. Your detailed response helped my understanding of cavernomas.
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