Raspberry Day: Cavernoma Awareness and Treatment Options

Raspberry Day: Cavernoma Awareness and Treatment Options

The world’s first Raspberry Day was held on 20 September 2025, raising awareness of cavernomas and supporting those who are affected.

In the UK, around one in every 600 people is thought to be living with an undetected cavernoma, while about one person in 400,000 is diagnosed after experiencing symptoms.

Here we explore what cavernomas are, the treatment options, and the importance of bringing patients, families, and healthcare professionals together on 20 September.

What is a cavernoma?

A cavernoma, sometimes called a cavernous angioma, is an abnormal cluster of blood vessels in the brain or spinal cord. The fruit analogy is apt because cavernomas form clusters that resemble raspberries. The clusters can vary in size and, while some remain harmless, others can cause serious symptoms such as:

• Seizures (fits)
• Neurological issues such as vision disturbances, tremor, slurred speech and dizziness
• Haemorrhages
• Cognitive issues, such as poor concentration and memory loss
• Tiredness and muscle weakness
• Stroke

The type, duration and severity of the symptoms will vary according to the location, size and number of the cavernomas.

The most serious risk is bleeding (haemorrhage), which can occur because the cell linings of the blood vessels in cavernomas are unusually thin. The bleeds are often too small to cause damage, but severe haemorrhages can be life threatening.

The unpredictability of cavernomas can cause great anxiety. Some people live symptom-free for years, while others may suddenly develop complications.

This is why awareness and education are crucial; not only for patients, but also for clinicians and policymakers who shape access to treatment.

Why Raspberry Day matters

Raspberry Day is more than a symbolic gesture. It represents:

• Visibility –Many people, even within healthcare, are unfamiliar with cavernomas. An awareness day ensures the condition is part of broader neurological conversations.
• Community –Support networks reduce isolation for patients and families navigating an often frightening diagnosis.
• Action –Events, fundraisers, and publicity can drive research funding, improve treatment access, and ensure patient voices are heard at the policy level.

By bringing cavernomas into the public eye, Raspberry Day helps to demystify the condition, empowers patients, and encourages conversations about treatment options that may once have been overlooked.

Treatment options for cavernomas

The approach to treating cavernomas varies depending on their size, location, and symptoms. In some cases, doctors may recommend monitoring with regular scans, particularly if the cavernoma is not causing symptoms.

However, when intervention is required, there are two main approaches:

• Conventional Neurosurgery:Involves opening the skull to surgically remove the cavernoma. While effective, this approach carries risks due to its invasive nature, particularly when the cavernoma is located deep within the brain.
• Gamma Knife Surgery:A non-invasive, highly precise form of stereotactic radiosurgery. Despite the name, no knife is involved. Instead, Gamma Knife uses focused beams of radiation to target the cavernoma, reducing its risk of bleeding while sparing surrounding healthy tissue.

How Gamma Knife Surgery helps cavernoma patients

Gamma Knife surgery has become an important tool in the treatment of cavernomas, especially when open surgery is not feasible. Its benefits include:

• Non-invasive treatment –No incisions, no stitches, and no general anaesthetic required.
• Precision targeting –Healthy brain tissue is preserved, lowering the risk of side effects.
• Shorter recovery –Patients typically return home the same day, avoiding long hospital stays.
• Reduced risk of haemorrhage –By gradually changing the abnormal blood vessels, Gamma Knife lowers the chance of future bleeds.

For many patients, Gamma Knife is a life-changing procedure, especially those who may have been told their cavernoma was “inoperable” due to its location.

Towards a better understanding of cavernomas

Raspberry Day, to be held every September 20, will now be a cornerstone of cavernoma awareness. It’s an opportunity for patients, families, and professionals to unite under one cause: making life with cavernomas safer and more manageable.

For providers of advanced neurosurgical techniques such as Gamma Knife surgery, it’s also a chance to reaffirm a commitment to patient-centred care, innovation, and education.

The more people who understand the realities of cavernomas, the better equipped we are to ensure timely diagnosis, compassionate support, and access to the most effective treatments available.

Centres of Excellence for Stereotactic Radiosurgery treatment of complex Brain Tumours