Cavernous Malformations

Diagnosis

Cavernous malformations do not always cause symptoms. Doctors may find them while investigating the cause of a variety of symptoms.

In some cases, the malformation leads to hemorrhage in the brain tissue, causing weakness, numbness, difficulty speaking, vision changes or unsteadiness. Your doctor may find a cavernous malformation if you've had a hemorrhage. Seizures are another symptom that may lead to the discovery of a cavernous malformation. This is a common symptom in people with a cavernous malformation in the cortex (surface) of the brain.

Doctors may find cavernous malformations during an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) done for unrelated reasons. You may have had an MRI to assess seizures, paralysis, numbness, vision changes or other neurological problems or as part of an evaluation for other diseases. Mayo Clinic doctors use a specialized MRI scan to detect small cavernous malformations.

Prenatal screening

Cavernous malformations may be hereditary. At Mayo Clinic, genetic counseling and testing are available if you've had more than one cavernous malformation or have a family history of the condition.

Read more about MRI at MayoClinic.com.