An aneurysm is a part of the blood vessel that is weak and has bulged as a result. Overtime this bulge tends to grow larger as blood flows through it. There are many types of the condition such as cerebral or intracranial, abdominal aortic and thoracic aneurysm. The type of aneurysm depends on the where in the body the bulge is located. Generally, aneurysms tend to develop where the artery divides, such as at forks or branches. When aneurysms reach the size of over an inch in diameter, these are known as Giant aneurysms. Aneurysms are quite uncommon in people who are under 20 years of age. They occur more frequently among older individuals, usually males aged 65 and over.

Aneurysm Research

Aneurysms are particularly fatal conditions because when ruptured, they can cause extensive bleeding. Many people who are rushed to the hospital due aneurysms that have burst die before reaching the emergency room. Although we have a bit of an understanding of why aneurysms occur, their symptoms often remain undetected until it is too late. People who have aneurysms are often unable to identify any sign or symptom until the enlarged areas have already ruptured. This fact leads scientists to try and find ways to diagnose, treat and prevent the condition more effectively.

Today scientists are continuing to research on ways to treat and prevent aneurysm with safer and more effective methods. Many findings have confirmed the basis for the fundamental understanding of aortic aneurysm and its natural history. Furthermore, prospective research is on its way to observe and analyze the utilization of new medical equipment such as stent-graft technology in repairing aneurysms of the abdominal and thoracic aorta. Laboratory research on aneurysms is aiming at comprehending bicuspid aortic valve disease and its link with ascending aortic aneurysms. Research today is holding family studies to find a connection with the inheritance of both aneurysm disease and bicuspid aortic valve disease.

New findings indicate abdominal aortic aneurysm will affect millions of baby boomers. Abdominal aortic aneurysms are observed to be a miltifactorial disease, entailing facets of autoimmunity, genetic vulnerabilities, and environmental factors such as smoking. Aneurysms are common but unfortunately not well understood. Current research often involves genetic risk factors, risk of rupture evaluations, new surgical processes, new pharmacological approaches, and new treatment options.

Present endeavors to limit the mortality from abdominal aortic aneurysm are based on the diagnosis and elective repair. There are over 300,000 undetected abdominal aortic aneurysms in the United States alone, nearly all of them being small and not needing prompt medical attention. Existing practice after the identification of a small abdominal aortic aneurysm includes risk factor handling and sequential monitoring.

While the pathophysiology of abdominal aortic aneurysm is not entirely explained, analyses from human tissues and animal studies have recognized several potential targets for slowing down aneurysm enlargement. It is apparent that the inflammatory response recognized in affected tissues has an influence on aortic enlargement. This inflammatory response is observed to be responsible for heightened expression of proteolytic enzymes. Medications such as tetracycline antibiotics and antihypertensive drugs are observed to have an inhibiting effect on proteolysis. There is sufficient preliminary information to support a large potential randomized trial of doxycycline to prevent the enlargement of aneurysms.

Cerebral aneurysm

An Introduction to Cerebral Aneurysm

Cerebral aneurysm is a weakened area in a blood vessel located in the brain that bulges and accumulates blood. The ballooned aneurysm can apply a lot of pressure on a nerve or brain tissue around it. It may start to leak or burst, releasing blood into the surrounding tissue. This is known as a hemorrhage. Some cerebral aneurysms, especially those that aren’t big, tend to not bleed or trigger other problems. Cerebral aneurysms can develop in any location in the brain, but usually they are found along a loop of arteries that go through between the underside of the brain and base of the skull.

Causes

Usually, cerebral aneurysm is caused by congenital factors. This means that an individual may already have a higher risk of developing aneurysms at birth. People who are born with the defect have artery walls that are thinner compared to other areas. Locations in the body where artery walls are weak are those that tend to develop aneurysms. However, there are also other factors that may contribute to the development of cerebral aneurysm. These factors are infection, damage to the brain, hardening of the artery and an abnormally rapid growth of brain cells.

Symptoms

Many people do not know that they have cerebral aneurysm until it has already burst. However, a few of those who have cerebral aneurysm may notice symptoms experienced before the aneurysm actually bursts. Symptoms are usually noticed when a small leakage occurs-these are taken as warning signs. The common symptoms of a cerebral aneurysm that has not burst yet include dizziness, eye pain, headaches and vision impairment.

The first sign of cerebral aneurysm may be a subarachnoid hemorrhage, which is caused by an aneurysm that has burst. Symptoms in this case include a severe headache (often described as the worst headache ever), nausea and vomiting, stiff neck, pain in particular areas like the eyes, changes in mental condition, dilated pupils, back/leg pain, loss of balance/coordination, hypertension, light sensitivity, and loss of consciousness. Since there are so many symptoms that can be experienced with cerebral aneurysm, it is possible that these are symptoms of other medical problems. Always seek medical advice from a healthcare professional.

Diagnosis

Cerebral aneurysm is often diagnosed with the use of MRI, CT scans and cerebral arteriograms. These establish the aneurysm’s location, size and risk of bursting. Generally, the bigger and faster an aneurysm grows each year, the more treatment is required.

Treatment

The aim of treatment is to prevent future hemorrhage. During surgery, an incision is made in the scalp and the aneurysm is made accessible. A metal clip is applied to prevent the aneurysm from bursting. New microsurgical techniques are now being used to treat aneurysms in a safer and less invasive manner. Risks are based on the size and location of the aneurysm as well as the person’s age. If surgery is successful, the patient will more likely not develop aneurysm in the same location again. If the aneurysm is not big enough to cause alarm, periodic monitoring will often be done.