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Cavernous malformation patient Evan

Cerebral Cavernous Malformations

A cerebral cavernous malformation (CCM), also known as a cerebral cavernous angioma or cavernoma, is a raspberry-shaped collection of abnormal blood vessels with thin, leaky walls, most often found in the brain and the spinal cord. CCMs can grow at any age, including in young children.

Coordinated Care

If you're searching for a team with expansive expertise that will create an individualized care and treatment plan for your child, you've found the right place.
 
The Cerebral Cavernous Malformations Clinical Center at Wolfson Children's brings together experts from different medical specialties as one team to care for cerebral cavernous malformations in children. We provide diagnosis, management, counseling and treatment of sporadic and familial cerebral cavernous malformations, and any resulting conditions.

Cerebral Cavernous Malformations Clinical Center

Wolfson Children's Hospital
Nemour's Children's Hospital
University of Florida College of Medicine Jacksonville

Neurologists and neurosurgeons work together to diagnose and treat cerebral cavernous malformations.

Graphic logo of Angioma Alliance CCM Clinical Center, with the tagline "because brains shouldn't bleed"

Why Wolfson

Wolfson Children’s is the first children’s hospital in Florida and only pediatric hospital in the Southeast to be recognized as a designated Clinical Center by the Angioma Alliance. This means we meet or exceed guidelines that ensure your child is getting the best care around for their CCM.

Cerebral Cavernous Malformations Clinical Center

Wolfson Children's Hospital
Nemour's Children's Hospital
University of Florida College of Medicine Jacksonville

Neurologists and neurosurgeons work together to diagnose and treat cerebral cavernous malformations.

Diagnosis

Our team specializes in the diagnosis of cavernous malformations and related vascular malformations. Getting the right diagnosis is key, so we use state-of-the-art imaging techniques, including 3T MRI. This imaging is kid-friendly and offers shorter scan times for comfort and superior image quality.

Treatment & Management

We evaluate each patient individually. Together with patient families, we determine the best treatment plan.

Non-Surgical Treatment
Surgery is not always needed. Many times, observation is the best approach and is appropriate in many cases.

Surgery
We carefully consider surgery for any child. If surgery is needed, our skilled vascular neurosurgeons determine the best technique for each situation and use the most advanced technology available. If surgery is recommended, we offer all types, including:

Craniotomy with Resection Pediatric neurosurgeons carefully remove the abnormal blood vessels to eliminate the risk of bleeding.
To do this safely, advanced brain mapping tools are used during
surgery. This brain navigation system works together with
sophisticated imaging equipment to help surgeons precisely locate the
lesion and completely remove it.

Post-Operative Care

After a procedure, your child will be cared for in a specialized pediatric neuro intensive care unit, where the team is specially trained in children’s neurological conditions.

close up of a technician's hand pointing to a brain scan on a monitor

High-Tech Neurosurgery

Wolfson Children's is a national leader in both minimally invasive and highly complex neurological surgeries. Our state-of-the-art operating rooms are specially equipped to bring MRI to the patient during surgery. Surgeons use advanced technology, such as robotic surgery or fluorescence-guided surgery, to locate and safely remove the malformation and improve outcomes.

Conditions Related to Cavernous Malformations

Expert teams at Wolfson Children’s surround your child with the care they need for CCM. As a Clinical Center, we not only address CCM, but have programs and skilled teams in place to treat related conditions and symptoms.

  • Seizures and Epilepsy

    If your child has seizures caused by cavernous malformations, you can rest assured knowing that Wolfson Children's has dedicated pediatric neurologists on the team from Nemours Children’s Health, Jacksonville. These specialists are experts in treating seizures and epilepsy in Jacksonville. Treatment typically involves medication, or sometimes surgery.

  • Stroke

    Children who experience a stroke because of cavernous malformations require special care from the most practiced specialists around. So, in addition to being treated by top-notch pediatric neurosurgeons, your child will also see rehabilitation experts and neuropsychologists during recovery to ensure their best possible recovery.

  • Genetic Counseling

    Most children with CCM do not have a family history of the condition, known as sporadic CCM. Cavernous malformations can be inherited or passed down from parents, called familial CCM. To ensure we're taking the right approach with your child for treatment and long-term support, our Clinical Center has a genetics program that tests patients and counsels families with guidance and information.

Team

If you're searching for a team with expansive expertise that will create an individualized care and treatment plan for your child, you've found the right place.

At Wolfson Children’s, our multidisciplinary team works together to treat the specific needs of your child, including pediatric neurology, neurosurgery, neuro-radiology, genetics teams and more. Also, the program's nurse coordinator is here to help you navigate appointments and keep things organized.

  • Philipp Aldana, MD
    Co-medical director of the Stys Neuroscience Institute at Wolfson Children’s and pediatric neurosurgeon with the UF College of Medicine – Jacksonville; co-medical director of the CCM program at Baptist Health
  • Ricardo Hanel, MD, PhD
    Neurosurgeon at Baptist Health; director of Baptist Neurological Institute; co-medical director of the CCM program at Baptist Health
  • Harry Abram, MD
    Pediatric neurologist with Wolfson Children’s and Nemours Children’s Health, Jacksonville
  • Scott Dellorso, MD
    Vascular neurologist at Baptist Health
  • Benjamin Ludwig, MD
    Diagnostic radiologist with Radiology Partners
  • Chetan Shah, MD
    Pediatric diagnostic neuro-radiologist, Wolfson Children’s and Nemours Children’s Health, Jacksonville
  • Pamela Trapane, MD
    Pediatric geneticist, medical director for the Duran Genetics Center at Wolfson Children’s and UF College of Medicine – Jacksonville
  • Noemi Cintron, BSN, RN
    Nurse coordinator, CCM Program

Location

The Cerebral Cavernous Malformations Clinical Center serves the North Florida and South Georgia region and beyond. Wolfson Children’s is located on the south bank of the St. Johns River in Jacksonville, Florida.

Patient Stories