Cerebral Aneurysm

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.