Cavernoma in a young adult: a case report

Abstract Cavernomas or cavernous malformations of the central nervous system are acquired or hereditary vascular anomalies. Although they are present in 0.1–0.5% in the general population, they are usually asymptomatic and undetected until symptoms occur. We report a case of a healthy young adult, who presented with acute onset of dizziness, and intermittent episodes of loss of consciousness. MRI brain was suggestive of right insular cortex and right basal ganglia cavernoma. The patient later on developed seizures in the form of automatisms (continuous lip smacking). Surgical removal of the cavernoma was planned as in this case it was present in an eloquent area causing seizures. Seizure producing brain mapping and intraoperative electrocorticography was also performed which is rare in the region and offered by only few centres. The surgical resection of cavernoma was successfully performed, and patient reported improvement in symptoms during subsequent follow-ups.