Brain Aneurysm: Symptoms, Causes, Risk Factors and Treatment
A brain aneurysm is a bulge in the weak portion of a blood vessel in the brain. It is also known as a cerebral aneurysm or intracranial aneurysm. Most of the brain aneurysms are small and do not cause any problems. But if the brain aneurysm gets ruptured, it can lead to serious problems such as bleeding in the brain. A brain aneurysm can grow up to the size of a small berry.
If you have a small brain aneurysm, it does not cause any signs and you can live longer without even noticing it. But in some cases, the aneurysm can become large and may leak. This can lead to serious issues and you need immediate medical assistance.
What Are the Signs of Brain Aneurysm?
The signs of a brain aneurysm vary based on the type you have.
Signs of a ruptured aneurysm
The signs of a ruptured aneurysm are:
- A sudden and severe headache
- Nausea
- Stiff neck
- Vomiting
- Blurred vision
- Confusion
- Sensitivity to light
- Seizures
- Loss of balance and consciousness
- Eye pain
Signs of an unruptured aneurysm
The signs of an unruptured aneurysm are as follows:
- Double or blurred vision
- Drooping eyelid
- Pupil dilation
- Tingling or numbness on one side of the face
- Pain above and behind the eye
Signs of leaking aneurysm
If the aneurysm starts leaking some blood but is not ruptured, you may experience sudden and severe headaches. After a blood leak takes place, a more serious aneurysm rupture can take happen.
Types of Brain Aneurysm
The following are the different types of brain aneurysm:
- Saccular aneurysm: It is a common type and looks like a berry hanging from a vine. It is dome shaped and forms on arteries that are at the base of the brain.
- Fusiform aneurysm: This is not a common type and it bulges on all sides of the arteries.
- Mycotic aneurysm: Mycotic aneurysm is caused by an infection of the arteries in the brain. This can weaken the artery wall and can lead to a brain aneurysm.
Why Do I Experience a Brain Aneurysm?
The reason for the occurrence of a brain aneurysm is unknown. But it is believed to be due to the thinning or weakening of artery walls. There are several factors that can weaken the artery wall such as:
- Age: Though brain aneurysms can occur at any age, the risk increases as people get older.
- Gender: Females who are older than 40 years of age are more prone to brain aneurysms than men.
- Smoking and alcohol consumption: Smoking can increase the risk of developing a brain aneurysm and can also lead to a ruptured brain aneurysm.
- High blood pressure: High blood pressure can weaken your arteries and the risk of forming and rupturing of a brain aneurysm also increases.
- Use of illegal drugs: Use of drugs can increase blood pressure and can cause aneurysm to rupture.
- Genetics: A family history of aneurysms can make you prone to a brain aneurysm. If you have a family history of aneurysms, then you should undergo screening every 5 to 10 years.
How is Brain Aneurysm Diagnosed?
Most of the brain aneurysms remain unnoticed until they get ruptured. But some of them can be found using imaging tests. If the doctor suspects that you have a brain aneurysm, the following tests may be performed:
- CT scan
- MRI scan
- Angiogram
- Cerebrospinal fluid test
Treatment for Brain Aneurysm
If the brain aneurysm gets ruptured, you need treatment as early as possible to reduce the chances of rebleeding. If the aneurysms are small, there is a low risk of rupture. But as the size increases, the chances of rupture also increase and hence it is regularly monitored. The treatment for both ruptured and unruptured aneurysm focus on reducing the risk of rupture in the future. The doctor determines the treatment based on the size, type, and location of the brain aneurysm. The treatment options include:
- Surgical clipping: Surgical clipping involves removing a section of the skull to access the aneurysm. Now, the blood vessel that supplies blood to the aneurysm is located. Now, a metal clip is placed on the neck of the aneurysm to block the blood supply.
- Endovascular coiling: It is a less invasive treatment and a catheter is inserted into the artery to locate the blood vessel where the aneurysm is present. Now, the doctor sends a tiny coil into the aneurysm. This will stop the blood from flowing into the aneurysm.
- Endovascular stents: If clipping nor coiling does not help or if the brain aneurysm is large, then an endovascular stent is placed inside the artery. This will divert the blood from the aneurysm.
Have Signs of Brain Aneurysm? Schedule an Appointment with Dr Vishwak Sena Reddy Today
If you or your loved one is suffering from the signs of a brain aneurysm, meet Dr Vishwak Sena Reddy today. He has been working as a neurosurgeon in Hyderabad for over 12 years and became an expert in his field. He offers exceptional, individualized care for various neurological problems. He also works with other doctors to determine the best treatment approach for you. To make an appointment, call us or submit a request through the online form.