#CavernomaFAQ
- frequently asked questions

Are there any clinical trials for medicines that could stop cavernoma from growing & bleeding?

Yes, here you can find a detailed summary of treatments in development:

https://www.alliancetocure.org/research-clinical-trials/current-research/treatments-in-development/

What are the most common symptoms of a cavernoma in the brainstem?

The most common symptoms for brainstem cavernoma are focal neurological deficits:

Coordination and movement challenges, or ataxia
Speech and swallowing difficulties
Facial paralysis (usually on one side)
Vision and auditory problems
Hiccups as a result of diaphragmatic spasms
Breathing difficulties that can contribute to sleep issues, including sleep apnea

Symptomatic brainstem cavernous malformations carry a high risk of permanent neurological deficit related to recurrent hemorrhage, which justifies aggressive management.

More information about brainstem cavernoma:

https://www.alliancetocure.org/cavernous-angioma-in-depth/symptoms/brainstem-lesions/

Two minute educational video about the brainstem and its functions (by Neuroscientifically Challenged):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T2zjlB4ctu4

(Subtitles available in 15 languages)

Scientific article regarding surgical management of brainstem cavernoma:

https://thejns.org/focus/view/journals/neurosurg-focus/29/3/2010.6.focus10133.xml

Giliberto G, Lanzino DJ, Diehn FE, Factor D, Flemming KD, Lanzino G. Brainstem cavernous malformations: anatomical, clinical, and surgical considerations. Neurosurg Focus. 2010 Sep;29(3):E9. doi: 10.3171/2010.6.FOCUS10133. PMID: 20809767.