Many people with Cavernoma live full, normal lives. But it’s natural to feel anxious. Some helpful things include:
- Keeping a record of symptoms to share with your doctor
- Asking for support at school or work if symptoms affect daily life
- Talking openly with family and friends about your needs
- Connecting with support groups for advice and reassurance
Are they more prevalent in males or females?
It is unclear if Cavernoma affects the genders differently, but some population studies suggested that females tend to experience symptoms more frequently. Male patients tend to present younger, while female patients present later.
Driving After a bleed or Brain Surgery
If you have experienced a stroke, you must not drive for at least 6 weeks, and it is a legal requirement to notify the DVLA of your condition. Similarly, following brain surgery, you are prohibited from driving for a minimum of 6 months. These restrictions are in place to ensure your safety and the safety of others on the road. Once the relevant period has passed, your ability to drive will be assessed, and you may need to provide medical evidence to the DVLA before resuming driving.
Most common symptoms
Typically, the symptoms are due to small leak of blood from the Cavernomas to the surrounding brain, causing hemosiderin stain, which could be irritating to the brain and cause a seizure. The theory is that recurrent microhaemorrhages lead to deposition, calcification and immune reactions that create a clear focal point for seizure activity (3). This means that the Cavernoma alone is not usually the cause of seizures. The seizures are believed to be a consequence of bleeding and the molecular residual of blood and its hemosiderin stain.
Recovery time post bleed
This will depend on the symptoms, location and extent of bleed, time from bleed to rehabilitation and age of the patient. After a bleeding episode, it is worth consulting a healthcare professional to decide on the best modality of treatment i.e., surgical excision or stereotactic surgery.`
Time off work is variable depending on the size, location, and extent of the bleed. If surgical intervention went smoothly, generally patients will resume normal activity (back to exercise, work, travel) after 4-8 weeks of home recovery. If you have a major Cavernoma bleed associated with changes in conscious level or neurological deficit, brain rehabilitation (up to 2 years) can be required to ensure optimal recovery.
In some cases, when the neural damage or injury was already caused by a Cavernoma bleed, some residual symptoms will persist despite Cavernoma removal.
If left untreated, over time, deficits suffered as a result of an acute bleed from Cavernoma often improve even without surgery as the haemorrhage is organised and absorbed. However, if multiple bleeds or a major bleed occurred, they tend to cause more severe, longer lasting deficits.
Exercise and Cavernoma
Regular exercise to keep a healthy lifestyle is encouraged, including for patients with Cavernoma. Some studies suggest that extremely strenuous exercises i.e., heavy weightlifting, may increase the intracranial pressure and pose a risk of bleeding, but this was not a proven association
Everyday Life With Cavernoma
- Work: Many people continue in their usual jobs. Some roles may need adjustments, especially if seizures are not under control.
- Exercise: Regular activity is encouraged. Very heavy lifting is sometimes discouraged, but normal exercise is safe.
- Pregnancy: Cavernomas can grow during pregnancy, so close monitoring is important. Always discuss with your obstetrician and neurosurgeon.
- Menopause: No clear evidence suggests it makes Cavernomas worse.
Having a Cavernoma does not mean you can’t live a fulfilling life. Most people do.
The most important step is staying informed, keeping in touch with your medical team, and seeking support when you need it.
More information
What is a Cavernoma?
What do raspberries have to do with the brain? Find out what a Cavernoma is and how this vascular condition is diagnosed.
What is a Cavernoma? 
Why do Cavernomas happen?
Are Cavernomas passed down or spontaneous? Explore the current consensus on how these vascular malformations develop.
Why do Cavernomas happen? 
Symptoms
From mild headaches to sudden seizures: discover how Cavernoma symptoms vary widely depending on its location.
Symptoms