BRAIN ANEURYSM

Symptoms of Brain Aneurysm may depend if the bulge in the nerve cells leak, ruptured or not.

• Ruptured Aneurysm – This may cause hemorrhagic stroke or bleeding in the brain. Ruptured aneurysm usually occurs in the space between the brain and the thin tissues covering the brain. Symptoms may include:
  • Extreme and sudden headache
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Seizure
  • Blurred vision
  • Stiff Neck
  • Confusion
  • Loss of Consciousness
  • Sensitivity to Light
  • Drooping of the Eyelid
• Leaking Aneurysm – A slight amount of blood may leak in the brain and may cause a sudden and extreme headache. A more severe ruptures comes after the leaking.
• Unruptured Aneurysm – Small unruptured brain aneurysm may not have symptoms but large unruptured aneurysm may cause pressure on the brain tissues and nerves that results to:
  • Pain above and Behind One Eye
  • A Dilated Pupil
  • Change in Vision or Double Vision
  • Numbness of One Side of the Face

Some other types of Brain Aneurysm may depend on how it develop such as:

• Dissecting Aneurysm – Is a type of Aneurysm that occurs after a head injury.
• Mycotic Aneurysm – Are caused by certain blood infections.

DIAGNOSIS

To diagnose brain aneurysm in a high risk patient, the doctor may order the following tests:

• Cerebrospinal fluid test – It will be helpful to determine if there are bleeding around the brain and spine.
• Computerized Tomography (CT scan)- It is usually the first test used to determine any bleeding in the brain.
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) – It helps assess the arteries in detail.
• Cerebral Angiogram – A special dye injected into the catheter travels to arteries throughout the brain. With a series of X-ray images can show the conditions of the arteries.

TREATMENT

The two common surgeries to treat ruptured brain aneurysm are:

• Surgical Clipping – This procedure closes off an aneurysm by placing a metal clip on the neck of the affected artery.
• Endovascular Coiling – A soft platinum wire will be coil up inside the aneurysm that disrupts the flow of blood and seals off the aneurysm from the artery.

Some medications may reduce the symptoms and complications brought by aneurysm including:

• Pain Relievers –Used to ease headache pain.
• Calcium Channel Blocker – This medication may lessen the erratic narrowing of blood vessels by preventing calcium from entering cells of the blood vessel walls.
• Interventions to Prevent Stroke from Insufficient Blood Flow – Intravenous injection known as Vasopressors; Angioplasty; and a drug called vasodilator may help in expanding the blood vessels in the affected area.
• Anti-seizure medication – Levetiracetam (Keppra), Phenytoin (Dilantin, Phenytek), Valproic Acid (Depakene) may help controls seizures caused by rupture brain aneurysm.
• Rehabilitative Therapy – Speech and/or Occupational therapy may be used to treat speech or skills damage caused by brain aneurysm.

PREVENTION

There is no method to totally prevent brain aneurysm. However, you can lower your risk by having a healthy lifestyle and eating a balanced diet.