venous angioma with bleed

    
      Re: venous angioma with bleed
    


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Posted by CCF Neurology MD on September 05, 1997 at 05:32:55:

In Reply to: venous angioma with bleed posted by Jane Jones on September 04, 1997 at 14:29:28:

: I have suffered 2 grand mal seizures in 16 years. The latest was in April-97
  while living in Central America. Upon my return I found a neroulogist here and had a MRI the MRI showed an angioma, probally venous with a dark ring around it indicating blood. What are the effects of this condition ? my doctor said he would not recomend surgery because it is in the left lobe of the brain(nor do I want surgery. I am 35 years old an currently on dilatin ( depakote caused hair loss and weight gain) I do not want to be on medication forever !! What are my options
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Dear Jane:
Venous angiomas are extremely benign lesions and generally do not cause epilepsy or hemorrhage. Also most experts would be most reluctant to operate upon venous angiomas anywhere. Your description probably fits a CAVERNOUS angioma more closely. Cavernous angiomas have a propensity to bleed to a minor or major degree recurrently, They are frequently associated with epilepsy. Being on the left side as it is in your case, a cavernous angioma can be a potentially major problem. Recurrent bleeding, for instance, may be a compelling indication for surgery at some point, for instance. Luckily, at this time, your epilepsy is controlled with medications.
While Depakote can cause weight gain and hair loss, Dilantin can cause excessive hair growth. You should be aware of other antiepileptic options available to you, such as cabamazepine, gabapentin, and lamotrigine.
The Cleveland Clinic departments of neurology and neurosurgery have experts who can cover all aspects of you angioma-related care. The epilepsy section at the Clinic is world-renowned. Dr. Chyatte is a neurosurgeon specialized in vascular diseases disease, and he is specially interested in angiomas of yout type. Apointments can be made by calling [phone], or [phone] (neurology) and [phone] (neurosurgery) locally.
I think you can really benefit from getting a second opinion from the Cleveland Clinic, or from a similar academic instution near where you live.
This information is provided for general medical education purposes only. Please consult your physician for diagnostic and treatment options of your specific medical condition.