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Brain aneurysms—sometimes called the silent killer because they often cause no obvious symptoms—can pose significant health risks to people of any age, although they are more common in the population Adults between 30 and 60 years old. according to Brain Aneurysm FoundationHalf a million people worldwide die from the disease each year, with half of the victims under the age of 50.
An aneurysm occurs when blood vessels in the brain weaken, causing them to bulge or swell outward. For patients undergoing treatment neurosurgeon For those at higher risk, it is important to understand the types, symptoms and causes of aneurysms, as well as appropriate treatment options.
There are many types of brain aneurysms and how they are classified. The most common is a saccular aneurysm, also known as a berry aneurysm because of its shape. This type of aneurysm usually forms where arteries branch at the base of the brain and resembles a small sac or berry. It is also prone to rupture, which can lead to serious complications. In contrast, fusiform aneurysms involve the entire circumference of the blood vessel, causing the blood vessel to bulge outward evenly. These aneurysms are less common and usually occur in the basilar artery or other major artery at the base of the brain.
Symptoms of brain aneurysm
In most cases, patients don't realize they have an aneurysm until it ruptures. However, if the aneurysm is large enough, it can compress brain tissue and nerves. Here are some signs someone may have an aneurysm.
Symptoms of an unruptured aneurysm
Some signs of an unruptured brain aneurysm include:
One of the most common symptoms of an unruptured aneurysm is a severe headache. Unlike typical headaches, these headaches may be persistent and severe, indicating the need for medical attention.
Aneurysms can compress nerves in the brain, causing visual disturbances such as blurred vision or double vision. For sudden changes in vision, immediate medical attention is crucial.
- pain above and behind the eyes
Pain that is focused above or behind the eye may be a symptom of an aneurysm. This pain is caused by the pressure the aneurysm puts on nearby structures.
A dilated pupil that does not respond normally to light may indicate an aneurysm. This symptom occurs when an aneurysm affects the cranial nerves that control pupil size.
- Weakness or numbness on one side of the face
An unruptured aneurysm may cause weakness or numbness on one side of the face, indicating that the aneurysm is pressing on nerves or brain tissue.
Speech difficulties, such as slurred speech or difficulty finding words, may be a sign of a brain aneurysm. These symptoms occur due to the aneurysm's impact on the area of the brain responsible for speech.
symptom ruptured aneurysm
A ruptured aneurysm can be felt immediately and has symptoms that are easily identifiable. Once present, immediate medical attention is required.
- Sudden, extremely painful headache
A ruptured aneurysm can cause a sudden, severe headache. Those who have had an aneurysm often describe the pain as the worst headache they have ever experienced. Note that there are other conditions besides aneurysms that can cause excruciating headaches, but in either case, such symptoms require immediate medical attention.
Severe headaches caused by a ruptured aneurysm are often accompanied by nausea and vomiting, exacerbating the pain and signaling a medical emergency.
Neck stiffness, another symptom of a ruptured aneurysm, is caused by irritation of the meninges, or protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord.
Light sensitivity or photophobia is common in individuals with ruptured aneurysms. This symptom, combined with a severe headache, may indicate a subarachnoid hemorrhage, or bleeding in the space between the brain and surrounding membranes.
A ruptured aneurysm can cause sudden loss of consciousness due to a rapid increase in intracranial pressure. If this occurs, seek medical intervention immediately.
Seizures may occur when a brain aneurysm ruptures, disrupting normal brain activity. These can be life-threatening and require emergency medical attention.
Causes of brain aneurysm
There are many risk factors associated with brain aneurysms. In most cases, these factors weaken the blood vessel walls, making them more susceptible to swelling or rupture. For example, high blood pressure can weaken blood vessel walls over time, increasing the likelihood of aneurysm formation. Therefore, controlling blood pressure is critical to reducing this risk.
Smoking can also damage blood vessels and lead to the formation of aneurysms. Therefore, it is crucial to quit smoking, as quitting can significantly reduce the risk of aneurysms and improve overall vascular health. In addition, head trauma may damage blood vessels, leading to the formation of aneurysms. This is particularly concerning in the case of severe head injuries, as the risk of aneurysms is increased.
Certain congenital vascular anomalies may predispose individuals to aneurysms, including conditions such as arteriovenous malformations (AVMs). Infections that affect the walls of blood vessels, such as bacterial or fungal infections, can also weaken blood vessels and lead to aneurysms. Last but not least, family history plays an important role in the development of brain aneurysms. The risk of developing an aneurysm is increased if a close relative has had an aneurysm before.
Treatment options for brain aneurysm
Treatment for a brain aneurysm includes surgery to repair the weak artery. However, for unruptured aneurysms, treatment usually involves monitoring the aneurysm and managing risk factors. One of the most common treatments for aneurysms is EVAR, or endovascular aneurysm repair. This is a minimally invasive procedure in which a stent is placed inside a blood vessel to support weak areas. This method is often used for fusiform aneurysms and has a high success rate.
If minimally invasive techniques are not suitable, open surgery may be performed. This involves going directly to the aneurysm site to repair the blood vessel. Intravascular coiling, meanwhile, involves inserting coils through a catheter into the aneurysm. The coil causes clotting, which seals the aneurysm and prevents blood from flowing into the aneurysm. This is one of the recommended surgeries to treat unruptured aneurysms, but the risk of rupture is high.
Another treatment option is microvascular clipping, a surgical procedure in which clips are placed at the base of the aneurysm to cut off blood flow. This method is very effective and is often used for saccular aneurysms. This technique can be used to treat aneurysms and prevent ruptures.
Brain aneurysm is a serious condition that requires awareness and immediate action. For older adults and individuals with high risk factors, awareness and understanding of symptoms, causes, and treatments are invaluable for prevention and increasing the chance of a good outcome.
