Cavernous Malformations

Overview

A healthcare provider will diagnose a cerebral cavernous malformation after an exam and testing. Your provider will review your symptoms during a physical exam. They may offer a genetic test to find a genetic variant that caused the cavernoma. Your provider may also offer an MRI to see the malformation more closely and look for signs of bleeding or swelling.

Your provider may order a special type of MRI scan called susceptibility-weighted imaging. This is a more sensitive type of MRI. It detects the tiniest cavernous hemangiomas, as well as remnants of prior bleeds. This information helps give your care team some idea about the risk of future complications.

Providers typically don’t diagnose cerebral cavernous malformations until they rupture and bleed. However, you may have a cavernoma without symptoms. In this case, your provider would diagnose it if you had a brain scan for another reason.

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Symptoms

When to see a doctor

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Complications

Blood clots are a dangerous complication of atrial fibrillation (AFib). Blood clots can lead to stroke.

The risk of stroke from AFib increases as you grow older. Other health conditions also may increase the risk of a stroke due to AFib. These conditions include:

High blood pressure.
Diabetes.
Heart failure.
Some types of heart valve disease.

Blood thinners are commonly prescribed to prevent blood clots and strokes in people with atrial fibrillation.

Prevention

Healthy lifestyle choices can reduce the risk of heart disease and may prevent atrial fibrillation (AFib). Here are some basic heart-healthy tips:

Control high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes.
Don't smoke or use tobacco.
Eat a diet that's low in salt and saturated fat.
Exercise at least 30 minutes a day on most days of the week unless your health care team says not to.
Get good sleep. Adults should aim for 7 to 9 hours daily.
Maintain a healthy weight.
Reduce and manage stress.

By Freedmans Health Clinic Staff

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