To ask the Minister of Health to detail (i) the number of patients diagnosed with cavernoma in each of the last five years; and (ii) the treatment options available for such patients.

The number of patients diagnosed with cavernoma is not collected centrally or by Health & Social Care Trusts. Details could only be provided at a disproportionate cost.

MRI scans are mainly used to diagnose cavernomas and the recommended treatment will vary depending on factors such as on a person's circumstances, medical history and additional factors such as the size, location and the number of cavernomas identified. The treatment pathway would be determined on a case by case basis in discussion with the individual patient and specialist neurosurgeon. Types of treatment offered in the UK to reduce the risk of haemorrhage include neurosurgery to remove the cavernoma or stereotactic radiosurgery where a concentrated dose of radiation is aimed directly at the cavernoma causing it to become thickened and scarred and thereby reducing the risk of haemorrhage.