Brain aneurysm
What is a brain aneurysm?
A brain aneurysm is an enlargement or bulging of a blood vessel in the brain. This swelling resembles a berry and is therefore also called a berianeurism.
But the walls of the aneurysm are not as strong as the walls of normal blood vessels.
Thus, under certain conditions, brain aneurysms can rupture and blood can invade the surrounding tissues.
Ruptured Aneurysms – A ruptured aneurysm is a medical emergency and patients with suspected ruptured aneurysms should be admitted immediately to an emergency department staffed by neurosurgeons.
What are the symptoms?
In most people, brain aneurysms do not cause any symptoms and are discovered during a random examination.
Symptoms develop quickly after the aneurysm ruptures, and in some cases, symptoms occur as a result of compression of surrounding tissues by the aneurysm without rupture.
The signs and symptoms of a brain aneurysm are variable and depend on which part of the brain is affected.
However, the most common symptom of a ruptured brain aneurysm is a headache, described by the patient as the worst headache of their life. However, some people do not report headaches as a symptom. Possible symptoms of a brain aneurysm are:
- Facial pain;
- Vision problems;
- Seizures or loss of consciousness ;
- Confusion;
- Nausea and/or vomiting;
- Heart arrhythmia;
- Neck pain or stiffness;
- Difficulty breathing;
- Dilated pupils;
- Strong sensitivity to light;< /li>
- Stroke-like symptoms – loss of speech, loss of smell, paralysis of muscles on one side of the body or other movement disorders.
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What are the causes of brain aneurysm?
The causes of brain aneurysms is controversial for medical science. Currently, most scientists believe that the cause of aneurysms is a combination of genetic and environmental factors.
Some aneurysms are inherited, and according to scientists, people with polycystic kidney disease and arteriovenous malformations are more likely to develop an aneurysm.
However, hypertension, infections or trauma can also cause an aneurysm in the brain.
Brain Aneurysm Treatment
Treatment of unruptured brain aneurysms is very controversial because according to some medical professionals, aneurysms that are smaller than 10 mm. disappear by themselves.
And those that are over 10 mm. or in people over 50 years of age are subject to mandatory treatment. Surgical treatment of the aneurysm is carried out in two ways.
The first is an open surgical procedure in which the skull is opened and a clip is placed at the base of the brain aneurysm, after which it is removed.
Endovascular surgical therapy is a non-invasive procedure in which platinum coils are inserted from the patient’s thigh into the aneurysm with the aim of filling it and preventing it from rupturing.
In the presence of a brain aneurysm with rupture, after consultation with a specialist neurosurgeon, an assessment is made as to whether surgical intervention is possible.
Is it possible to prevent a brain aneurysm?
Cerebral aneurysms are a serious disease that can have serious health consequences and even be fatal.
In most cases they cannot be prevented, but there are some steps and measures that can help reduce the risk of their development and rupture.
In addition, the availability of various surgical treatment techniques may offer hope for patients with a diagnosed brain aneurysm.
Some lifestyle changes are thought to help reduce the risk of developing a brain aneurysm.
Avoidance of excessive alcohol consumption and drug use is essential, as these substances can increase the risk of blood vessel dilation and rupture.
It is also important to maintain a healthy weight and blood pressure levels, as high blood pressure can increase the chance of developing an aneurysm.
The right nutritional strategy can also play an important role in maintaining the health of blood vessels and reducing the risk of brain aneurysm.
A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, rich in antioxidants and fiber, can support blood vessel health and reduce the likelihood of atherosclerotic plaque formation.
It is also important to regularly control and monitor the health of the heart and vascular system. Regular medical examinations and tests can help detect potential problems and risks related to blood vessels early.
With regard to the treatment of already diagnosed brain aneurysms, the availability of surgical techniques provides an opportunity to successfully manage the condition.
One of these techniques is classic surgery, where open surgery is performed to close or strengthen the aneurysm.
Another alternative is the endovascular procedure, which uses catheters and special devices inserted through the patient’s blood vessels to close or reinforce the aneurysm.
Although brain aneurysms usually cannot be completely prevented, taking the right measures to maintain a healthy lifestyle and regular medical examinations can significantly reduce the risk of their development and rupture.
