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Cerebral cavernous malformation
Reviewed by Medicinsk Expert•Last updated: 2026-10-22•Condition

Cerebral cavernous malformation

Cerebral cavernous malformations are clusters of enlarged, irregular blood vessels in the brain or spinal cord that can cause neurological symptoms or bleeding.

Overview

Cerebral cavernous malformations are collections of small blood vessels (capillaries) that are enlarged and irregular in structure. These capillaries have abnormally thin walls and lack support tissues, such as elastic fibers, making them prone to leakage. While these malformations can occur anywhere in the body, they typically produce serious symptoms only when located in the brain or spinal cord.

Approximately 25 percent of individuals with this condition never experience health problems. Others may experience:

  • Headaches
  • Seizures
  • Paralysis
  • Hearing or vision loss
  • Bleeding in the brain (cerebral hemorrhage), which can be fatal

The severity of the disorder depends on the location and number of malformations, which can change in size and number over time.

Types

  • Familial form: Passed from parent to child; affected individuals typically have multiple malformations.
  • Sporadic form: Occurs in people with no family history; these individuals typically have only one malformation.

Causes

Familial cerebral cavernous malformations are caused by mutations in three genes: KRIT1 (also known as CCM1), CCM2, and PDCD10 (also known as CCM3). These genes produce proteins that strengthen the junctions between blood vessel cells, limiting leakage. Mutations impair this complex, leading to weakened junctions.

These three genes account for 85 to 95 percent of familial cases. The cause of the sporadic form is currently unknown.

Inheritance

This condition is inherited in an autosomal dominant pattern, meaning one copy of the altered gene in each cell is sufficient to cause the disorder. In familial cases, the mutation is inherited from an affected parent.

Frequently Asked Questions

For most stable, asymptomatic lesions, MRI with susceptibility‑weighted imaging is recommended every 1–2 years. If you have had a recent bleed, recent surgery, or new symptoms, your neurologist may order scans every 6–12 months until stability is confirmed.
Surgery is usually considered when the lesion is: 1) causing recurrent seizures that cannot be controlled with medication, 2) located in an accessible area and has bled more than once, 3) producing progressive neurological deficits, or 4) situated in a region where future growth would threaten critical brain functions. A multidisciplinary team will weigh surgical risk against expected benefit.
Yes. Maintaining good blood pressure control, avoiding anticoagulants or antiplatelet drugs unless absolutely necessary, limiting heavy alcohol use, and staying well‑hydrated can reduce bleed risk. Regular sleep, stress management, and adherence to anti‑seizure medication (if prescribed) help prevent seizures. Always discuss any medication changes with your physician.
Warning signs include a sudden, severe headache, new or worsening neurological deficits (weakness, numbness, vision changes), seizures, or loss of consciousness. Any abrupt change in symptoms should prompt immediate medical evaluation, as it may indicate hemorrhage.
Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine

MedlinePlus brings together authoritative health information from the National Library of Medicine (NLM), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and other government agencies and health-related organizations.

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