Conditions We Treat
Blood Vessels
Brain Aneurysms
A brain aneurysm, also called a cerebral aneurysm, is a bulge or ballooning in a blood vessel in the brain. It occurs when the vessel wall weakens, causing it to swell and potentially rupture, leading to bleeding in the brain. Aneurysms can vary in size and may not always cause symptoms unless they rupture.
Unruptured brain aneurysms often have no symptoms. However, when symptoms appear, they may include:
- Severe headaches
- Vision problems
- Neck pain
- Nausea or vomiting
- Sensitivity to light If a rupture occurs, symptoms may include a sudden, severe headache, loss of consciousness, or neurological impairments such as speech or movement difficulties
What are the symptoms?
What are the causes and risk factors?
Causes of brain aneurysms include:
Weakness in the blood vessel wall
High blood pressure
Smoking
Heavy alcohol use
Age
(Commonly affects people over 40)
Certain genetic conditions like Ehlers-Danlos syndrome or polycystic kidney disease
What are the complications from the condition?
- Haemorrhagic stroke
- Brain damage due to bleeding
- Hydrocephalus (buildup of fluid in the brain)
- Death in severe cases
How is it diagnosed?
Doctors use imaging tests to detect brain aneurysms, including:
- CT or MRI scans
- Cerebral angiography, which involves using contrast dye to highlight blood vessels
- Lumbar puncture to detect bleeding in the cerebrospinal fluid if a rupture is suspected
How is it treated?
Treatment depends on the size, location, and condition of the aneurysm:
- Observation: Small, unruptured aneurysms may be monitored with regular scans.
- Surgical Clipping: A procedure to seal off the aneurysm.
- Endovascular Coiling: Minimally invasive surgery to prevent blood flow into the aneurysm.
- Medications to manage symptoms or risk factors, such as blood pressure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can brain aneurysms be prevented?
While they can’t always be prevented, reducing risk factors like controlling blood pressure and quitting smoking can help.
Are all brain aneurysms life-threatening?
Not all are life-threatening, but ruptured aneurysms can lead to severe complications or death.
What is the recovery process like?
Recovery varies based on the treatment and extent of damage but may involve rehabilitation to regain strength and neurological function.
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