Beware of a diagnosis of TIA in a young patient

Abstract

Cavernomas are abnormal vascular lesions consisting of many small lobules, like a bunch of small berries. They may be asymptomatic or they may present with seizures, in around 60% of cases, or symptoms similar to a transient ischaemic attack (TIA) or stroke. Here, the authors describe a case of a 30-year-old woman who presented with TIA-like symptoms for which treatment was started. Imaging revealed a spinal cord cavernoma, after which the course of management was changed and the patient referred to the neurosurgeons.