Dr. Chen is a neurosurgeon specializing in cerebrovascular, endovascular, and brain tumors.
Cavernoma treatment
Our experts take a compassionate, multidisciplinary approach to treating patients with cavernomas.
Cavernoma treatment
Our experts take a compassionate, multidisciplinary approach to treating patients with cavernomas.
Cavernoma treatment at UW Medicine
We understand that receiving a diagnosis of a cavernoma can feel frightening and overwhelming. Our neurosurgeons are here to guide you through every step, taking the time to listen to your concerns and clearly explain your options. With deep expertise in diagnosing and treating cavernomas, our team is skilled at carefully distinguishing them from other conditions so you can feel confident in your diagnosis.
At UW Medicine’s Harborview Medical Center, you are never facing this alone. As the first and only Cerebral Cavernous Malformations Clinical Center in the Pacific Northwest recognized by the Alliance to Cure Cavernous Malformation, our multidisciplinary team works together to provide compassionate, personalized care. We combine advanced technology, the latest medical research, and a thoughtful, patient-centered approach to create a treatment plan tailored to you—focused not just on the condition, but on your comfort, questions, and peace of mind.
How is a cavernoma treated?
Our specialists understand the complexity of cavernomas. Because no two cavernomas are the same, treatment plans aren’t either. Instead, treatment is customized to each patient, based on your unique diagnosis, health history and needs.
We offer both non-invasive and surgical treatment options for cavernomas. These include:
- Gamma Knife radiosurgery, a type of radiation treatment
- Surgery to remove the cavernoma from your brain.
Benefits and risks
What are the advantages of surgically treating a cavernoma?
Having a successful surgery can greatly improve your long-term health and give you an excellent chance of feeling better.
What are the possible complications of a cavernoma?
Potential complications of cavernomas include:
- Hemorrhaging (bleeding)
- Neurological deficits, such as weakness, numbness or paralysis
- Seizures
- Vision and balance problems
UW Medicine provides tailored treatment plans to each patient, focusing on procedures that ensure the best outcomes with the least disruption to our patients’ lives.
From initial diagnosis through treatment and follow-up, our patients receive continuous, compassionate support. At UW Medicine, we don’t just treat the condition; we care for the whole person, offering support and guidance every step of the way.
Watch the video to learn about Lindsay Ahmann, a promising Alpine skiing athlete, was on track to make the U.S. Ski Team when she started experiencing troubling symptoms and was diagnosed with a cavernoma. (Duration: 2:00 minutes)
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Stephanie H. Chen, MD
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Louis J. Kim, MD, MBA
Dr. Kim specializes exclusively in the treatment of cerebrovascular and spinal vascular lesions such as brain aneurysms, AVMs, and cavernous malformations.
Michael Levitt, MD
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Michael Levitt, MD
Dr. Levitt specializes in minimally invasive treatment of diseases of the brain and spine.
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Laligam N. Sekhar, MD
Dr. Sekhar is a world-renowned expert in treating complex neurosurgical problems, particularly skull base tumors.
Harborview Medical Center
Neurological Surgery Clinic
908 Jefferson St., Ninth & Jefferson Building, 5th Floor
Seattle, WA 98014
Start request online
If you've been recently diagnosed with a cavernoma and are not experiencing emergency symptoms, request a consultation today.
If you have not been diagnosed with a cavernoma and have questions or concerns, it is important to start with your primary care doctor. If you do not have a primary care doctor, consider getting one at UW Medicine.
Frequently asked questions
Are there any medications I should avoid if I have a cavernoma?
In some cases, your doctor may recommend caution with medications that affect bleeding risk, such as blood thinners. Always check with your care team before starting or stopping any medication.
Do cavernomas need to be monitored over time?
Often, cavernomas do need to be monitored over time. Even if you don’t have symptoms, your care team may recommend periodic imaging or follow-up visits to watch for changes and guide next steps if needed.
Should my family members be tested for cavernomas?
It depends. Some cavernomas are inherited. If there’s a family history, your doctor may recommend genetic counseling or screening for close relatives.
What causes cavernomas?
Most cavernomas occur sporadically, meaning they don’t have a genetic component. But some people have what’s known as familial cavernous malformation syndrome. This is a genetic form of cavernomas that can run in families.
Researchers have identified mutations in several genes that can cause cerebral cavernous malformations, including:
- KRIT1 (CCM1)
- CCM2
- PDCD10 (CCM3)
Cavernoma symptoms: When to seek care?
Many people with a cavernous malformation don’t experience symptoms. If symptoms do arise, they most often occur when a capillary ruptures. They tend to come on quickly and unexpectedly. To learn more about possible symptoms, click here.
How is a cavernoma diagnosed?
Some cerebral cavernous malformations are found because of brain imaging for another condition. Many are diagnosed using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Your doctor may also evaluate your medical history, perform physical exams and recommend additional tests. To learn about the different diagnosis options, click here.
What is a cavernoma?
Cavernomas — also called cavernous malformations, cavernous hemangiomas and cerebral cavernous malformations — are abnormal clusters of closely packed capillaries, or thin-walled blood vessels. These abnormal capillaries tend to clump together in a ball, making it hard for blood to flow through them. In fact, blood moves so slowly through a cavernoma that it often pools inside. To learn more about cavernomas, click here.