Brain Aneurysm

Brain Aneurysm

Brain aneurysm is a condition in which there is abnormal bulging in the cerebral or other blood vessels in the brain. It resembles a berry hanging on a stem. Some brain aneurysm only causes signs and symptoms while other can lead to life threatening conditions.

Symptoms

Symptoms usually depends upon the type of aneurysm condition such as;

  1. Ruptured aneurysm causes symptoms like; stiff neck, extreme intense head ache, nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light, blurred vision, unconsciousness, seizures and dropping eyelid.
  2. Leaking aneurysm leads to the sudden and intense head ache.
  3. Un-ruptured aneurysm leads to the development of dilated pupil, pain around one eye, double vision and pain over one side of face.
Causes

The main cause of brain aneurysm is unknown but risk factors can increase the chances of development of aneurysm. Risk factors include; increase age, smoking, increase alcohol drinking, drug abuse, hypertension. However other disorders present in childhood can also increase the risk like Ehlers Danlos syndrome, coarctation of the aorta, polycystic ovary disorder.  

Complications

Many complications develop after the rupture of a bulge and cause:

  • Re-bleeding of a previously ruptured aneurysm.
  • Vasospasm of other vessels in the brain and leading to the development of ischemic stroke due to insufficient nutrition.
  • Hydrocephalus can occur due to accumulation of fluid in brain substances.
  • Hyponatremia can cause brain to swell up and destruction of brain substances.
Diagnosis

Different diagnostic tests are there to rule out brain aneurysms like;

  • CT scan of brain substance.
  • Cerebrospinal fluid test in which sample is taken by spinal tap.
  • MRI which detects the position of aneurysm.
  • Cerebral angiogram gives the result about the ongoing condition of particular artery an detect aneurysm.
  • Detailed history is also very important for excluding any risk factors.
Treatment

Immediate treatment is necessary for the ruptured aneurysms and include:

  • Surgical clipping.
  • Endovascular coiling.
  • Flow diverters.
  • Medications like painkillers, calcium channel blockers {nimodipine (Nymalize, Nimotop)}, antiseizure medication.
  • Other therapies like rehabilitate therapy, shunt surgery, interventions that cause prevention from stroke.

Both these procedures have increased risk of re-bleeding but endovascular coiling is comparatively safer. For un-ruptured aneurysm treatment options depends upon different factors like age, other associated risk factors and family history.

Home Remedies
  • Limit smoking and alcohol consumption.
  • Avoid using recreational drugs.
  • Manage to consume healthy food.
  • Exercise daily.
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