What is a cavernoma?
A cavernoma (also called cavernous hemangioma) is a vascular malformation consisting of small vessels, tangle, and sometimes calcifications and connective tissue. This can occur in the brain and in the spinal cord. read moreWhat is a cavernoma?
What is a cavernoma?
A cavernoma (also called cavernous hemangioma) is a vascular malformation consisting of small vessels, tangle, and sometimes calcifications and connective tissue. This can occur in the brain and in the spinal cord.How common is a cavernoma?
Cavernomas are rare (found in less than 0.2% of the population) and are as common among men as among women. Usually there is one cavernoma, but in some patients there are several cavernomas.Symptoms
The first symptoms usually occur between the age of 20 and 40. Small hemorrhages may cause epileptic seizures or loss of function. The location of the small hemorrhages determines which symptoms of loss of functions occur. Large hemorrhages can lead to an acute life-threatening situation. This is rare in cavernomas.Tests and diagnosis
The diagnosis can only be made once an MRI scan has been made. read moreTests and diagnosis
A cavernoma cannot be made clearly visible by means of a contrast examination of the vessels (angiography). This is why it is also called "occult" (non-visible) vascular malformation. Sometimes a CT scan shows the calcifications in a cavernoma, which leads to the suspicion of a cavernoma. The diagnosis can only be made once an MRI scan has been made. The MRI scan is the only test that gives a good picture.Life with a cavernoma
After a cavernoma, there are a number of things to consider. read moreLife with a cavernoma
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When a cavernoma is being diagnosed, there is often uncertainty about activities that increase the pressure on the head. Examples include flying, diving, going on a roller coaster, pushing, going to the sauna, or having sex. There are no indications that these activities increase the risk of having a hemorrhage from a cavernoma. These activities can therefore be carried out as usual.
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A cavernoma in the brain may increase the risk of symptoms or hemorrhaging during pregnancy. If you want to have a child, it is advisable to discuss with your doctor whether this is a reason to treat the cavernoma.
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A cavernoma in the brain is generally not hereditary, but is more common in hereditary syndromes, such as von Hippel-Lindau.
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There are legal requirements for the suitability of driving motor vehicles according to the “requirements for fitness to drive” regulation of the health inspection. The CBR (Dutch Central Driving License Office) supervises compliance with this requirement.
If you have a cavernoma without symptoms, that has not hemorrhaged, there are no restrictions on the use of motor vehicles.
If the symptoms of the cavernoma affect your ability to drive, your specialist will need to make a report about it. On the basis of this report, the Dutch central driver licensing office (CBR) can decide whether an additional independent medical examination or a driving test is required. Your medical specialist will write the report in addition to the CBR's declaration of health (website in Dutch).
In the case of epilepsy as a result of a cavernoma, you can be declared fit to drive for a certain period of time after the end of a seizure-free period. The duration of the seizure-free period depends on several factors. Discuss with your specialist what applies to you.