WHAT IS BRAIN ANEURYSM

A brain aneurysm is a weak spot in a blood vessel in the brain that balloons and fills with blood. If it bursts, it can cause bleeding, known as a brain hemorrhage. A ruptured brain aneurysm can lead to stroke or death and is a medical emergency. Unless it ruptures, however, a brain aneurysm may cause no symptoms. People who smoke or have high blood pressure, atherosclerosis, or other risk factors, should get screened. Detecting a brain aneurysm early makes it much easier to treat. Mo

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF BRAIN ANEURYSM? 

Some common symptoms are: headache, nausea or vomiting, slurred speech, loss of consciousness, seizures (uncontrollable jerking of limbs), difficulty talking, pain or discomfort, sensitivity to light. 

DIAGNOSIS & TREATMENT

Diagnosis: Brain aneurysms are diagnosed by imaging tests such as angiography, a dye test to analyze arteries or veins; CT scan; MRI; and, if a rupture is suspected, cerebrospinal fluid analysis, which is a test of a sample of brain fluid

Treatment:  Depending on factors such as the size and location of the aneurysm, risk of rupture, and patient’s health, treatment options may include:

1.  Monitoring

2.  Surgery, including microvascular clipping (putting a clip on the neck of the aneurysm to stop blood supply) or occlusion (clamping off the artery that leads to the aneurysm)

3. Endovascular embolization (releasing coils or a balloon into the aneurysm to clot the blood and destroy the aneurysm)

4.  Treatment for underlying conditions, such as high blood pressure 

5. Anticonvulsants to prevent seizures

6. Pain medication for headache 

7. Speech, rehabilitative, and occupational therapy if hemorrhage causes permanent disability

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

1. If a patient is diagnosed with a brain aneurysm, he or she should avoid smoking, keeping blood pressure in check, use any stimulant drugs. 

2.  Symptoms of an unruptured brain aneurysm may include pain above and behind the eye, headache, blurred or double vision, dilated pupils, progressive weakness or numbness, paralysis on one side of the face, and trouble speaking. In case of any symptoms such as these immediately seek medical help.