Surgical management of atypical cavernous malformations

Atypical cavernous malformations are lesions with distinct anatomic features and locales. This subgroup includes purely extraxial lesions as well as those involving the ventricular system and cranial nerves. The epidemiology, symptoms, surgical approach, and therapeutic implications are unique to each atypical lesion. These features are reviewed, and the indications as well as caveats for successful surgical treatment are offered.