A brain aneurysm is a serious condition that occurs when a weak spot in the wall of a blood vessel in the brain begins to bulge. Recognizing the early warning signs is vital for getting prompt medical treatment. This blog will help you recognize these signs, understand the causes, and explore the best brain aneurysm treatment options available, especially from a brain aneurysm specialist in Coimbatore.
What is referred to as brain aneurysm?
An aneurysm develops when pressure causes a weakened area in a blood vessel to expand, creating a bulging pouch known as an aneurysm.
Although aneurysms can occur in different parts of the body, such as the abdomen or chest, they are most commonly associated with the brain, where they are referred to as brain aneurysms, cerebral aneurysms, or intracranial aneurysms.
The primary risk with a brain aneurysm is that it may rupture, leading to life-threatening bleeding. In fact, around half of those who experience a ruptured aneurysm do not survive, and more than half of the survivors may experience lasting brain damage.
Most brain aneurysms do not rupture, with an estimated 50-80% remaining intact throughout a person’s life.
Detecting a brain aneurysm early and accurately is vital. If identified in time, an unruptured aneurysm can often be treated to prevent it from bursting. In cases where an aneurysm does rupture, prompt medical intervention can be life-saving and may help minimize brain damage.
What are the types of brain aneurysms?
Brain aneurysms come in two main types: saccular (also known as berry) aneurysms and fusiform aneurysms.
Fusiform aneurysms:
Fusiform aneurysms differ from saccular aneurysms because they cause a broader, more uniform expansion of an artery along its length. Although they are less common, fusiform aneurysms can still lead to serious health risks.
Saccular aneurysms:
Saccular aneurysms are recognizable by their pouch-like or sac-shaped appearance. They usually develop at artery branching points, particularly in an area known as the circle of Willis. These are the most frequently occurring brain aneurysms, accounting for about 90% of all cases.
What are the first signs that may indicate a brain aneurysm?
Brain aneurysms are often known to cause some visible symptoms you may need to look out for. The common signs of a brain aneurysm include:
Severe headache:
A lightning headache, or thunderclap headache, is a sudden and very severe headache that quickly reaches its peak within 60 seconds. Although rare, this type of headache can be a warning sign of a serious condition, often linked to bleeding in or around the brain.
Loss of consciousness:
Loss of consciousness during bleeding is often due to ischemia, a condition where certain organs do not receive enough blood flow, leading to a lack of oxygen. The length of time a person remains unconscious can also indicate how severe their condition is.
Vomiting and nausea
Nausea, vomiting, and drowsiness in individuals with brain aneurysms can result from blood collecting in the spinal fluid. This buildup may signal rising pressure within the brain, a condition known as hydrocephalus.
Stiffness or pain in the neck:
Neck pain or stiffness can happen when blood collects in the spinal fluid at the base of the brain. This buildup can irritate the surrounding area, leading to discomfort and restricted neck movement.
Pain in the face
Facial pain from a brain aneurysm happens when the cranial nerves are compressed or pressured. This pain typically affects only one side of the face, often in the center, and can vary in intensity and frequency.
Light sensitivity
Sensitivity to light occurs when the arteries expand or bulge, putting pressure on the optic nerve in the brain. This can lead to visual issues for people with brain aneurysms, such as quadranopia nasal (complete vision loss) or bitemporal hemianopsia (blurred or partial vision loss, and the appearance of white spots in the field of vision).
The intensity and range of symptoms can vary between individuals. Some individuals may even experience warning signs not mentioned here. If you or someone you know shows any of these symptoms, getting immediate medical help is essential.
What are the potential causes of brain aneurysms?
While the exact cause of brain aneurysms is not completely clear, there are several factors believed to contribute to their development:
Gender and age:
Aneurysms are more frequently seen in people over the age of 40, and women are generally at a higher risk of developing them compared to men.
Genetic factors:
Having a family history of brain aneurysms raises the risk, and some genetic conditions can make individuals more likely to develop aneurysms.
Medical conditions:
The risk of developing an aneurysm is higher for individuals with conditions like polycystic kidney disease or specific connective tissue disorders.
Substance abuse and smoking:
Smoking and drug use can increase the chances of aneurysms forming and potentially rupturing.
High blood pressure:
Long-term high blood pressure can weaken the walls of arteries, increasing the risk of aneurysms developing.
What happens when an aneurysm ruptures?
When a brain aneurysm bursts, blood leaks into the surrounding brain tissue, causing pressure and swelling. This often leads to a sudden, intense headache known as a thunderclap headache, along with other symptoms.
A ruptured brain aneurysm can lead to serious health complications, including:
Hemorrhagic stroke:
Blood leaking into the area between the skull and the brain.
Subarachnoid Hemorrhage:
Blood accumulates between the brain and the thin protective layers covering it (the arachnoid layer). Around 90% of these cases are caused by ruptured brain aneurysms.
What complications can occur when an aneurysm ruptures?
Hydrocephalus:
This occurs when a buildup of cerebrospinal fluid or blood around the brain creates extra pressure on it.
Seizures:
A seizure is a brief, uncontrolled burst of electrical activity in the brain. It can worsen brain damage caused by a ruptured aneurysm.
Vasospasm:
This occurs when blood vessels in the brain tighten, restricting blood flow and reducing the oxygen supply to your brain.
How is a brain aneurysm diagnosed?
Initial diagnosis:
Doctors diagnose abnormal blood vessels in the brain based on a patient’s symptoms. Common diagnostic methods include CT angiogram, MRI angiogram, and contrast angiography.
Cerebral angiogram:
A cerebral angiogram is the standard method for identifying the location, size, and shape of aneurysms. It can also detect abnormal blood flow and, in some cases, allows for treating aneurysms without the need for brain surgery, depending on the patient’s condition and the location of the affected blood vessels in the brain.
What does brain aneurysm treatment depend on?
If an aneurysm is discovered by chance, the patient should consult a specialist to plan brain aneurysm treatment before it bursts, improving outcomes and quality of life.
If a patient shows signs of a ruptured aneurysm, it is a medical emergency requiring immediate care.
Brain aneurysm treatment includes:
- Hospitalization in the critical brain care unit.
- Identifying the location of the aneurysm and whether it has ruptured to guide brain aneurysm treatment.
Managing complications like brain damage from bleeding, acute hydrocephalus, seizures, reduced blood flow to the brain, and loss of consciousness, all of which can be life-threatening.
What are the treatment options for brain aneurysm?
Endovascular treatment:
A neuro-interventional radiologist will inject a contrast dye to capture detailed X-ray images, then use a thin platinum coil to fill the aneurysm, promoting clot formation and sealing it off.
Clipping aneurysm:
The neurosurgeon will place a clip on the aneurysm depending on its size, shape, location, and base width. This approach can also help stop bleeding in the brain and drain excess fluid (hydrocephalus), lowering the risk of recurrence.
Important Takeaway:
In conclusion, recognizing the warning signs of a brain aneurysm is essential for early detection and prompt brain aneurysm treatment. Although it is difficult to predict when an aneurysm might burst, being aware of the symptoms can help ensure that those affected receive medical care quickly at an Interventional Radiology Hospital In Coimbatore.
By staying informed, taking preventive steps, and responding swiftly in an emergency, we can reduce the risks associated with this hidden danger.
If you or someone you know shows signs of a brain aneurysm, seek emergency medical help without delay.
