Dallas
214-456-3442
email: ccdc@childrens.com
Request an Appointment with codes: Cerebrovascular Disorder (CCDC)
The Center for Cerebrovascular Disorders at Children's Health℠ offers children and parents a collaborative group of experts that comprehensively diagnose and treat your child’s cerebrovascular disease, such as cavernous malformations (cav·ern·ous - mal·for·ma·tions).
214-456-3442
email: ccdc@childrens.com
Request an Appointment with codes: Cerebrovascular Disorder (CCDC)
Cavernous malformations, also known as cavernous angiomas, cavernomas or cavernous hemangiomas, are an abnormal tangle of capillaries and small veins. These tangles, or caverns, fill with blood or tissue, resulting in popcorn-like formations. These formations can occur anywhere in the body, but the most serious are those that form in the brain or spinal cord.
The Center for Cerebrovascular Disorders specialists are among the very best in the region at performing the most advanced procedures and therapies for pediatric cerebrovascular disease treatment. Each of our primary team members works solely in the pediatric setting with a clinical interest in disorders of the cerebrovascular system.
This program is the only one of its kind in Texas, and one of a handful across the nation. It offers a unique level of expertise in the management and treatment of patients with aneurysms specific to children and adolescents. We are the only program in Dallas to offer pediatric neurosurgery and neuro-radiology coverage 24 hours a day by specialized, dedicated pediatric providers.
Please email ccdc@childrens.com to schedule an appointment.
The symptoms of a cavernous malformation depend upon the location.
In the brain or spinal cord, the malformation can cause:
Cavernous malformations are typically not diagnosed until symptoms appear. To diagnose a cavernous malformation, your child’s doctor will do a detailed physical examination. You will be asked if your child has had any trauma or infection and if there is a family history of bleeding problems.
Additional tests may include:
The exact cause of a cavernous malformation is not well understood, though genetics may play a role.
If your child is not experiencing any symptoms from the cavernous malformation, your doctor may want to monitor the condition with routine MRI scans. If treatment is necessary, the type of treatment is determined by your child’s age, symptoms and medical history.
Treatment options include:
Sometimes a cavernous malformation does not produce any symptoms or cause any concern. If symptoms need to be treated, medication can be effective. There are different surgical techniques that can successfully remove the cavernous malformation.