Occipital Lobe Cavernoma Presenting With Headaches and Visual Hallucinations: A Case Report

TL;DR

A 45-year-old man with headaches and visual hallucinations was found to have a rare brain lesion, which was successfully treated with surgery.

Contribution

This case report adds to the understanding of cavernomas by describing a rare presentation and successful surgical treatment.

Findings

A subependymal cavernoma in the left occipital lobe was diagnosed in a patient with headaches and visual hallucinations.

Surgical excision led to sustained relief from symptoms and no recurrence of hallucinations during follow-up.

Abstract

Cavernomas, also known as cavernous angiomas or cavernous malformations, are rare vascular lesions characterized by abnormal clusters of dilated capillaries without intervening brain tissue. While often asymptomatic, they can manifest with neurological symptoms such as headaches, seizures, and focal deficits. We present a case of a 45-year-old male who presented with persistent headaches and visual hallucinations. Thorough clinical assessment revealed intermittent throbbing headaches localized to the left occipital region, accompanied by brief episodes of vivid visual hallucinations. Extensive work-up, including laboratory tests and neuroimaging, identified a subependymal cavernoma in the left occipital lobe. A surgical excision was performed, resulting in sustained relief from headaches and the absence of visual hallucinations during follow-up examinations. This case contributes to the understanding of cavernomas by detailing the clinical presentation, diagnostic process, and successful surgical intervention for a subependymal cavernoma in the left occipital lobe. The resolution of symptoms postoperatively underscores the importance of individualized treatment approaches, considering factors such as lesion location, patient age, and associated risks. The case highlights the evolving knowledge in cavernoma management and emphasizes the need for tailored therapeutic decisions in addressing neurovascular disorders.

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