What Is A Brain Aneurysm, Why Does It Happen? Symptoms and Treatment

brain aneurysmAlso known as a cerebral aneurysm. An aneurysm in the brain is an enlargement that occurs at weak points of the arterial circulation. For example; the walls of the blood vessels of the brain expand. 

It is defined as swelling of blood vessels. Swollen veins form bubbles. Even weakened veins may rupture. 

This condition often leads to subarachnoid hemorrhage. Subarachnoid hemorrhage causes dilation, thinning, and rupture of blood vessels. The bleeding results in hemorrhagic stroke or bleeding within the brain, which increases the risk of death.

Most brain aneurysms are silent. It is only diagnosed incidentally during neuroimaging or autopsy.

What are the types of brain aneurysms?

three types brain aneurysm has:

1. Saccular aneurysm: brain aneurysmis the most common form. It appears as a round sac filled with blood, connected to the main artery.
2. Fusiform aneurysm: It manifests itself in the form of swelling as a result of balloon or protrusion from all sides of the artery.
3. Mycotic aneurysm: It resembles a succulent fungus, as it is mainly formed as a result of infection. 

What are the causes of brain aneurysm?

When the walls of the arteries in the brain become thin, broken, or weakened brain aneurysm it occurs. Thinning of the arteries can occur at any age and depending on many factors. Some of the factors that can lead to the development of the condition include:

• Alpha-glucosidase deficiency 
• Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, 
• Fibromuscular dysplasia, 
• Polycystic kidney disease (PCKD)
• Genetic diseases such as Klinefelter syndrome.
• Incurable heart diseases such as blood pressure and atherosclerosis.
• Chronic alcohol consumption
• Chronic use of illicit drugs such as cocaine
• chronic smoking
• Glioma
• Infection of the blood vessels of the brain (mycotic aneurysm).
• Head injury
• chronic diseases such as diabetes

What are the symptoms of a brain aneurysm?

not torn of aneurysm Some symptoms are:

• Headache
• change in vision
• Eye pain

Symptoms due to rupture of an aneurysm are manifested as:

• Sudden onset headache 
• Nausea
• Mumps
• neck stiffness
• Numbness
• Loss of consciousness
• loss of coordination
• Ear, nose, eye or tongue dysfunction
• Photophobia namely light sensitivity.
• dilation of pupils

Who gets a brain aneurysm?

Some of the factors that can cause an aneurysm to rupture include:

• Having an aneurysm in a family member
• Large aneurysms (11 to 25 mm or more).
• Being over 40.
• Having multiple aneurysms that tend to grow
• Hypertension

What are the complications of a brain aneurysm?

The condition has been known to lead to paralysis. But all brain aneurysms does not result in hemorrhagic stroke. brain aneurysm Conditions that may occur as a result are:

• Seizures
• permanent brain damage
• Koma
• Sudden death

How is a brain aneurysm diagnosed?

If it is not ruptured, it is diagnosed incidentally during brain imaging. Some of the diagnostic methods are:

• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): It helps to see changes in brain tissues.
• Cerebral angiography: It is done to detect problems in blood vessels.
• Computed tomography scan (CT scan): It serves to determine the location of aneurysms and whether they have burst.
• Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis: This analysis is used to detect bleeding around the brain.

How is it treated?

Brain aneurysm treatmentThe methods are as follows:

• Microsurgical clipping (MSC): It helps prevent blood leakage in the brain. It blocks using a metal clip. 
• Platinum coil embolization: The depth of intervention is more limited than the other method. Here, coils are used to occlude aneurysms and prevent blood from leaking into the brain.
• Medicines: Medicines such as anticonvulsants are used.

brain aneurysm It is a life-threatening condition. Subarachnoid hemorrhage can cause permanent neurological damage in some people. Early diagnosis and treatment are important to increase the chance of recovery.

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