Cavernoma Ireland is marking June as Cavernoma Awareness Month, with an awareness campaign aimed at improving understanding of a rare condition affecting the brain and spinal cord and supporting individuals and families across Ireland.

A cavernoma is a cluster of abnormal blood vessels in the brain or spinal cord. These vessels are fragile and may leak or bleed, which can affect surrounding brain or spinal tissue and lead to neurological symptoms.

Symptoms can include seizures, headaches, bleeding (haemorrhage) from a cavernoma, weakness, numbness, tremors, speech and vision difficulties, fatigue, memory and concentration problems, and in some cases paralysis. The type, severity, and duration of symptoms vary significantly depending on the location of the cavernoma and the individual.

The genetic (familial) form of cavernoma is recognised as a rare disease, although the condition may also occur sporadically without any family history.

Cavernoma Ireland is a patient-led organisation that provides information, support, and advocacy for individuals and families affected by cavernoma across Ireland.

More information is available at www.cavernomaireland.ie