cavernous haemangioma

I am a 43 yr old female who was diagnosed with a cavernous haemangioma in the brain stem 2 yrs ago after a bleeding episode. I have since had a further episode in June with symptoms being worse this time around. Symptoms included numbness and burning R side of face, difficulty with speech, swallowing and coughing, hiccoughing attacks,some breathing difficulties, weakness in L side. Most symptoms have settled down although the facial burning persists, though appears to be gradually receding.  The diagnosis was made following an MRI, and the last MRI confirmed the reoccurrence of bleeding.

I would like to know information about what I can do to prevent any further bleeding episodes in the future.  Is there anything that is likely to aggravate the condition?  Is there anything I can do to ease the burning sensation in my face, which can be very uncomfortable, especially in cool weather?

Janet

[CCF Neuro[P] MD, RPS]

Dear Janet:

Sorry to hear about your cavernous angiomas.  This congential malformation is prone to bleed and there are 3 genes associated with the inherited types.  They can be isolated or be multiple.  Surgerical removal or ablation is possible if they are located in an area of the brain that is not involved in needed function.  However, in your case the location is not good for surgery.  These do tend to bleed and as you know, no one really knows the timing of the bleeding.  There is little to do, unfortunately.  As far as the burning sensation in your face, there are medications to help, such as neurontin or tegratol.  I wish there was something that I could offer.  As research forges into the angioproliferative agents and their inhibition, maybe some time down the road treatment might be available.

Sincerely,

CCF Neuro MD