Brain Aneurysm MRI and CT Scans
To assess and diagnose a possible brain aneurysm in Singapore, Dr. Manish Taneja conducts a CT scan (computed tomography) or an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) to obtain detailed images of your brain’s blood vessels and structures.
What to Know About a Brain Aneurysm Diagnosis
The diagnosis of a brain aneurysm is something that is highly concerning and should be treated immediately. Dr. Manish Taneja, our neurointervention specialist decribes it the following way.
Brain aneurysms are like ticking time bombs in our head. With them being out of sight, many may think that they could live with them. It is wise to know everything that you possibly can about brain aneurysms in case you are ever faced with this medical situation.
The Ultimate Guide to Brain Aneurysm post can help you learn about the causes, symptoms, and treatments for this potentially life-threatening condition.
What Are the Causes of a Brain Aneurysm?
Although the exact causes of a brain aneurysm aren’t always clear, several factors can contribute to the ballooning caused by the weakening of blood vessel walls. These include:
- high blood pressure, or hypertension
- a family history of brain aneurysms
- the age and gender of the patient
- smoking and drug abuse
- atherosclerosis—plaque buildup in the arteries
- in rare cases, head injury or infection of the blood vessel walls
Who Should Be Diagnosed for Brain Aneurysm?
There are multiple medical tests that a doctor can perform to diagnose a patient with a brain aneurysm. A few of these tests include the following:
- MRI – This stands for magnetic resonance imaging using a magnetic field and radio waves to generate detailed images.
- MRA – This stands for magnetic resonance angiogram and is a type of MRI scan that is used specifically for blood vessels.
- CTA – This is a special type of CT scan that aims specifically at scanning blood vessels.
- Angiogram – This is yet another tool available to doctors who want to take a closer look at the patient’s blood vessels to see if there is any bleeding or any kind of obstruction that needs to be treated immediately.
A doctor that detects something wrong with the blood vessels of his or her patient might diagnosis them with having had a brain aneurysm.
When Should You Go For a Brain Scan?
Don’t worry if you feel like you are somehow pressing the panic button by asking a doctor for a brain scan if you feel that something is wrong with your body. Popular culture has encouraged some people to think that a brain scan is an extreme medical intervention that should only be done in extreme cases, but that is simply not the case. The reality is that you can and should ask for a brain scan from your doctor if you fear that you might be suffering from a brain aneurysm or that you might be at risk for one.
The brain scan can help identify any blockages or other issues within one’s blood vessels to help identify where the problems might exist and allow doctors to take the time to suggest correction treatments for those issues.
We provide brain aneurysm detection and care at our specialized brain aneurysm clinic at Supreme Vascular and Interventional Clinic in Singapore.
How are Brain Aneurysms Detected?
As touched upon already, there are a variety of ways that a medical professional can identify a brain aneurysm. It is often the case that an angiogram might be recommended to help identify a brain aneurysm, but there are other means of identifying one as well.
Brain Aneurysm CT Scan
In the arsenal of tools that doctors have to treat patients are CT scans. They are a useful tool for helping to diagnose and treat patients.
What does the CT scan show you?
The American Cancer Society explains that a CT scan shows the bones, organs, and soft tissues of the body more clearly than a standard x-ray. This allows the trained eye of a doctor to identify where a potential issue might exist within their patient.
What is the benefit of a CT scan?
The biggest benefit of a CT scan is that it offers more detailed information than x-rays or other medical interventions when it comes to the diagnosis and treatment of patients such as brain aneurysm.
Brain Aneurysm MRI Scan
Another option for doctors to lean on when working with a patient suffering from a potential brain aneurysm is to use an MRI scan.
What does the MRI scan show you?
An MRI scan is useful for identifying tumors, joint disease, and particularly soft tissue injuries. It can help identify damage to blood vessels that might be the cause of a brain aneurysm.
What is the benefit of an MRI scan?
It is easier to identify the differences between fat, water, tissue, and other soft tissue within the body when using an MRI scan. That is critically important because it means that the doctor can better tell where injuries exist. Another notable difference is that MRI does not use radiation. A brain aneurysm can be diagnosed and evaluated through the use of cerebral angiography, a specialized imaging technique that provides detailed visualization of the brain’s blood vessels.
Brain Aneurysm and Cerebral Angiography
Understanding Cerebral Angiography with Brain Aneurysm Specialist, Dr. Manish Taneja
Brain aneurysms can affect anyone and at any age. If your doctor thinks you have the condition, they will order some tests to help them make an accurate diagnosis. Oftentimes, a procedure known as cerebral angiography will be used to obtain details about the condition of your arteries and check for an aneurysm. If you have symptoms of a brain aneurysm, you need to learn a few things about cerebral angiography. That way, you will know what to expect, make informed decisions and prepare better for the procedure.
Here’s what to know.
What is Cerebral Angiography?
Cerebral angiography, or cerebral angiogram, is an imaging test used to identify or confirm problems with blood vessels in and around the brain. The catheter-based exam uses a special contrast dye and X-rays to examine blood vessels and check blood flow.
What It Diagnoses in Brain Aneurysm
By visualizing blood vessels, this procedure can help to diagnose a brain aneurysm. Through the images that the test makes, your doctor will not only be able to detect the presence of an aneurysm but also establish its exact location, size and shape.
Why a Doctor May Order a Cerebral Angiogram
Cerebral angiography can reveal a wide range of abnormalities in your blood vessels. Your doctor can order the test if they need more information to plan your treatment. A cerebral angiogram may be necessary:
• If you have signs and symptoms of a bulging, narrowing or blocked blood vessel
• In case of bleeding in the brain and other abnormalities of blood vessels
• To check other symptoms such as unusual headaches
• When previous tests do not provide conclusive information
• To evaluate your arteries before surgery. This can go a long way towards minimizing complications
The Difference Between MRI and Angiogram
A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan uses a magnetic field and radio waves to generate 3D images of the body. On the other hand, an angiogram involves placing a catheter into the body, and uses a contrast agent and X-rays to create detailed pictures of blood vessels. Dr. Manish Taneja has been performing catheter angiograms since 1995 and has a wealth of experience in treating vascular and nonvascular disorders.
Visit the Supreme Vascular and Interventional Clinic for a Brain Aneurysm MRI or CT Scan
Don’t be afraid to request medical treatment at our brain aneurysm clinic in Singapore if you fear you have suffered from a brain aneurysm or if you think that you are risk for one. The Supreme Vascular and Interventional Clinic offers state-of-the-art care and latest treatment options with brain aneurysm specialist, Dr. Manish Taneja. Reach out and contact us with your concerns if you are concerned that you might be dealing with a brain aneurysm situation.
Brain Aneurysm Resources
Discover brain aneurysm resources that go beyond the basics designed for patients. Understand the meaning of a brain aneurysm condition, the causes, symptoms, signs, and more. Connect with your brain health.
Put Brain Aneurysm on Your Health Radar
Did you experience the worst headache of your life? Could it be a brain aneurysm that ruptures, which means bleeding in the brain? Thoughts could be racing through your mind. Then what is the difference between unruptured (a weak or thin spot on an artery in the brain that balloons) or ruptured brain aneurysm? If you’re wondering, then the Supreme Vascular and Interventional Clinic is here to help. It’s important to look out for the tell-tale brain aneurysm symptoms, signs, causes, and risk factors.
Dr. Manish Taneja has been performing brain aneurysm treatments since 1995 from surgical clipping to latest minimally invasive procedures. Each patient is unique as is the size and location of the aneurysm. Your brain has different conditions to treat the aneurysm and artery vessel walls of a blood vessel in the brain. This calls for personalised brain aneurysm treatment depending on your symptoms, family, history, medication, and more. A simple CT scan could be just what the doctor ordered and the first step in early detection and prevention of a brain aneurysm. Come in for an easy consultation with our brain aneurysm specialist in Singapore to be on your health radar.
Other Health Conditions
The Supreme Vascular and Interventional Clinic is your “go-to” facility for various conditions and treatments. To arrange an appointment with Dr. Manish Taneja, our neurointervention specialist, contact us. You can also call us at (+65) 6904 8084 for a consultation.