My son has had 2 concussions one in May 2012 from a motocross accident and another in Oct 2012 also from a motocross accident . He had a MRI this week to clear him for High School Football there is an indication of Cavernous malformation located in right temporal still present. 8mm We were told that this could have been there from birth or from the concussions and letting him play football was a parental decision . Needless to say we we want what is best for our son but are torn between his desire and ours for him to play. Will the blood vessels disappear with more time or is football out of the question ?
2015-02-05 04:39:40
Hi! It is a tough decision to make. The reason being that cavernous malformations bleed really bad and those with these malformations are at higher risk of epilepsy. However those found incidentally like in your son’s case are the least risk ones. Medically they need to be followed up with an MRI annually for two years and thereafter every five years. An earlier MRI will need to be scheduled if there is bleed seizure neurological signs and symptoms. Usually in low risk carvernous malformations sports like track and field events jogging cycling cross country run golf aerobics field hockey etc can be played without supervision and using appropriate protective gears. The risk of bleeding and epilepsy following a head collision with soccerall is higher in people cavernous malformations. Also the size is less likely to reduce with time. It is recommended to avoid contact sports like boxing wrestling and football. While nothing may happen all during your son’s football career on the other hand even a mild head injury can cause problems especially since he had concussions in the past. In my opinion it would be more advisable to gently steer him away from football and towards a less dangerous sports. This way his wish to join the sports field will be fulfilled and he will be playing a less dangerous sport given his condition. Also you can take the opinion of another neurosurgeon along with his MRI reports. I sincerely hope you will find this information useful. Good Luck and take care!
2015-02-05 04:40:15
