What is a brain aneurysm?
A brain (cerebral) aneurysm is an abnormal outward bulging or ballooning on the weak area/spot in the wall of an artery that supplies blood to the brain.
Location of aneurysm in brain:
Network of blood vessels at the base of the brain called the circle of Willis.
Risk factors of Brain aneurysm
The following risk factors may increase either a person’s risk for an aneurysm or its rupture:
- Family history
- Previous aneurysm
- Women
- African Americans ethnicity
- High blood pressure
- Smoking
Causes of Brain aneurysmc
- Atherosclerosis
- Brain trauma
- Abnormal blood flow at the meeting point of arteries
- Infections of the artery wall
- Tumors
- Drug abuse, especially cocaine
Symptoms of Brain aneurysm
In most of the cases, a brain aneurysm causes no symptoms and goes unnoticed. It may get ruptured (causing a subarachnoid haemorrhage), releasing blood into the skull and causing a stroke, brain damage or even death.
Symptoms of ruptured or unruptured brain aneurysm typically depend upon the location and severity of aneurysm.
Symptoms of ruptured aneurysm
- Severe headache
- Neck stiffness or pain
- Pain above or behind the eye
- Nausea and vomiting
- Blurred vision or double vision
- Dilated pupils
- Photophobia (sensitivity to light)
- Loss of sensation
- Fainting or loss of consciousness
- Seizures
Treatment of Brain aneurysm
The main goal of treatment for brain aneurysm after it gets ruptured is to stop the bleeding and prevent potential permanent damage to the brain and reduce the risk of recurrence. Line of treatment depends upon the age and overall health of the patient, size of the aneurysm and presence of any additional risk factors. Small sized aneurysm are observed as their chances of rupture are low whereas large sized or symptomatic aneurysms need surgery.
The following treatment can be used for both ruptured and unruptured brain aneurysms:
- Embolization
- Surgical clipping
- Endovascular therapy: coiling
