Saccular and Fusiform Aneurysms: Types, Risks, and Treatment Options
Brain aneurysms that are bulging blood vessels in the brain can go unnoticed for years, but if they rupture, the consequences can be severe. Learn about brain aneurysms, including saccular and fusiform types, their risks, and available treatment options at Supreme Vascular and Interventional Clinic in Singapore.
Understanding Brain Aneurysms
Experts estimate that 3 out of 100 people in Singapore have brain aneurysms, most of which produce no symptoms and go undiagnosed. Often silent, they can be potentially life-threatening. Aneurysms can lead to significant health issues and even death.
A brain aneurysm is a bulging blood vessel in the brain. This vessel can eventually burst, resulting in severe pain and potentially immediate death. Survivors experience haemorrhagic stroke, which can be permanently debilitating. However, not all aneurysms burst. Understanding the different types of aneurysms and the associated risks can help you know what to do and understand your options. This article is part of our guide to understanding brain aneurysm types. View the full overview here. You might also find it useful to be informed and have a complete overview of understanding brain aneurysms in our article, Brain Aneurysm: What You Should Know.
One key factor is whether the aneurysm is saccular or fusiform.
What Are Saccular Aneurysms?
A saccular bulges on only one side of the affected blood vessel. It is sometimes called a "berry aneurysm" because it resembles a berry, if the blood vessel is a branch or vine.
It's the most common kind of cerebral aneurysm, and is most often found on arteries at the base of the brain. It's most common in adults, typically people between 40 and 60 years old.
Causes and Risk Factors for Saccular Aneurysms
Saccular aneurysms have a variety of causes, and it may not be clear in any given case. Here are some of the main ones:
- Degenerative or developmental. Some people are born with weak blood vessels that make them more prone to aneurysms, and age weakens blood vessels.
- Traumatic. A blow to the head can cause a brain aneurysm in some cases.
- Mycotic. This is caused by an infection that weakens the artery wall.
- Oncotic. Rarely, a metastatic tumor emboli can cause an aneurysm.
- Flow-related. High blood pressure can put a strain on the artery walls.
- Vasculopathy-related. These aneurysms are connected to another vascular condition, such as brain arteriovenous malformation or a connective tissue disorder.
- Drug-related. Cocaine or methamphetamine abuse is a risk factor for brain aneurysms and increases the risk of a rupture. Tobacco use can also increase your risk.
For a more in-depth article on saccular brain aneurysms, visit, Saccular Brain Aneurysm Guide: Causes, Risks, and Treatment.
What Are Fusiform Aneurysms?
While more common elsewhere in the body, fusiform aneurysms are rarer in the brain. A fusiform aneurysm bulges on all sides of the artery. These aneurysms are usually located in the vertebrobasilar system. This is the arteries that supply the cervical spinal cord brainstem, cerebellum, thalamus, and occipital lobes. They are typically related by atherosclerosis.
Key Differences Between Saccular and Fusiform Aneurysms
Again, saccular aneurysms are the most common, representing 90% or more of diagnosed brain aneurysms. The difference, by definition, is the shape and structure of the aneurysm. Fusiform aneurysms tend to be more challenging to treat.
There is little difference in rupture risk. Rupture risk instead depends on the size and location of the aneurysm. Because fusiform aneurysms are harder to treat, though, providers tend to be more conservative when deciding whether an aneurysm needs to be treated.
Many aneurysms are found when doing a brain scan for an unrelated issue, and there is no difference in symptoms between the two types. It depends more on the size and location. However, the difference does impact the way the aneurysm is treated. Full diagnosis requires a brain scan to determine the exact location and structure of the aneurysm.
Treatment Options for Saccular Aneurysms
Not all brain aneurysms require treatment. If an aneurysm is unlikely to rupture, then treatment may consist of observation. You will self-monitor for symptoms and return for periodic scans to assess whether the aneurysm has grown. Treatment itself typically consists of three potential options:
- Endovascular coiling. A small incision is made in the groin or wrist and then a catheter is used to insert a platinum coil into the aneurysm. This causes blood to clot and "stabilize" the aneurysm.
- Surgical clipping. This is direct surgery on the brain in which the blood vessel or aneurysm is "clipped" to reduce blood flow.
- Management of risk factors. If you smoke, you will be advised to quit and, if necessary, referred to a cessation program. You may be put on medication to lower blood pressure. Other treatment depends on your risk factors.
Treatment Options for Fusiform Aneurysms
Endovascular coiling does not work for fusiform aneurysms because of their structure. However, there are treatment options.
- Observation and Lifestyle Adjustments. The primary cause of fusiform aneurysms is atherosclerosis. You should adjust your lifestyle by quitting smoking, exercising more, and improving your diet.
- Flow diversion. Using a catheter, a device called a flow diverter is inserted into the affected blood vessel. This directs blood away from the aneurysm, starving it and causing the aneurysm to shrink.
- Surgical intervention. Surgery is another option to treat this type of aneurysm.
At Supreme Vascular and Interventional Clinic we offer minimally invasive treatment for brain aneurysms including endovascular coiling and flow diversion. Dr. Manish Taneja has the expertise to diagnose and treat both saccular and fusiform aneurysms, and offer the best option for you. Contact us today to schedule a consultation, or check out our resources for patients.
Knowing the Dangers of a Brain Aneurysm
Dr. Manish Taneja, our brain aneurysm specialist at Supreme Vascular and Interventional Clinic, specializes in minimally invasive procedures for conditions such as brain aneurysm. We offer specialized care, prompt attention, and access to advanced imaging technology and procedures.
Understand brain aneurysms’ potential dangers and taking the first step towards seeking proper medical consultation. Learn more about the health indicators and afflictions to defuse this silent, dangerous ticking time bomb. Fortunately, there are minimally invasive treatment options to manage this condition effectively.
Understanding Brain Aneurysms
Brain aneurysms, simply put, are weak spots in the walls of blood vessels in your brain. These weak areas can balloon out and potentially rupture, leading to serious complications. While the exact causes are still being studied, factors like high blood pressure, smoking, and family history can increase the risk.
Consult a Seasoned Brain Aneurysm Specialist
Finding the right doctor is key to your journey towards treatment and recovery. Dr. Manish Taneja has treated thousands of patients and treated brain aneurysms ranging from one milimeter to four centimeters. He has treated a range of ages from the young up to the average age for brain aneurysms of around 35 to 60. Unfortunately, no one can predict a brain aneurysm and also the young and fit are at risk. A brain aneurysm rupture can even cause a young to pass away in their sleep. Stay informed about treatment options and receive a recommended course of action with a seasoned brain aneurysm specialist who can give you a clearer picture of what lies ahead.
Walking Time Bombs
With limited data in Singapore, Dr. Manish Taneja estimates that one in 100 people in the general community experience the condition in their lifetime. Brain aneurysms can go unnoticed or undetected – until it is too late. It’s when the brain aneurym ruptures, the results are grim. It’s a less talked about condition and one of the reasons we don’t hear much about it is because brain aneurysm is often overlooked by heart disease, ischemic stroke, or breast cancer.
Knowing risk factors for a brain aneurysm is the first step in early detection and treatment:
- Worst headache in life
- Sudden sensitivity to light
- Sudden stiffness of neck
- Sudden sharp pain behind or above one eye
- Sudden blurred or double vision
- Sudden numbness and tingling in facial area
- Sudden loss of consciousness.
- Sudden confusion or change of mental status.
- Seizure
- Perceived “gun shot” noise or extremely loud “BOOM.”
- Drooping eyelid, nausea and vomiting
It’s important to understand the potential dangers of brain aneurysms. A ruptured aneurysm can cause severe bleeding in the brain, leading to a stroke or even death. Even untreated aneurysms can have long-term effects on your health. That’s why regular follow-up care and monitoring are crucial to managing this condition effectively. Read more here about how detrimental a brain aneurysm can be when rupturing.
Consult a Seasoned Brain Aneurysm Specialist
A consultation at our brain aneurysm clinic in Singapore allows for timely intervention and improved outcomes. It's important to receive professional treatment and care in the hands of the right doctor for you or your loved one.
The Supreme Vascular and Interventional Clinic offers state-of-the-art care and latest treatment options with brain aneurysm specialist, Dr. Manish Taneja. The newer technologies available for treating brain aneurysms enables him to treat almost all types of brain aneurysms using interventional techniques without open surgery. Arrange your appointment today.
Brain Aneurysm Resources
Explore our brain aneurysm resources. Understanding a brain aneurysm often involves learning across several areas.
Put Brain Aneurysm on Your Health Radar
Did you experience the worst headache of your life? Thoughts could be racing through your mind. A brain aneurysm is a weak spot in a blood vessel in the brain that can change over time. The key concern is when an aneurysm ruptures, which can disrupt blood flow, affect brain tissue, and lead to serious brain damage. Controllable conditions like high blood pressure can increase this risk and treatment options can depend on the condition. Surgical clipping is one option that prevents blood from entering the weakened area. In many cases, minimally invasive treatments can also be used to restore normal blood flow and reduce risk. We have created structured guides to help you explore each stage in more detail:
A simple (computed tomography) 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 brain aneurysm specialist, contact us. You can also call us at (+65) 6904 8084 for a consultation.