Understanding Multiple Brain Aneurysms
Did you know that up to one-third of intracranial aneurysms occur in multiples? Discover the risks of multiple brain aneurysms and explore treatment options at our specialized brain aneurysm clinic in Singapore, the Supreme Vascular and Interventional Clinic.
Introduction To Multiple Brain Aneurysms
A brain aneurysm, also known as a cerebral or intracranial aneurysm, is a bulge in a blood vessel in the brain. If a brain aneurysm were to rupture, this could cause a potentially fatal hemorrhagic stroke. Unfortunately, while aneurysms are dangerous enough by themselves, they often come in pairs, which is referred to as multiple brain aneurysms. Being diagnosed with multiple brain aneurysms can be a frightening prospect, as you may be unsure what your treatment options are. Keep reading to learn more about this dangerous condition. This article is part of our guide to understanding brain aneurysms. For a complete overview, visit, Brain Aneurysm: What You Should Know. For a full overview of all types and how they differ, learn more in our article, Understanding the Types of Brain Aneurysms.
What Are Multiple Brain Aneurysms?
Multiple brain aneurysms is a condition in which people are diagnosed with having more than one intracranial aneurysm. When this occurs, a person may be discovered to have as many as 12 aneurysms at a time. Having multiple brain aneurysms is more common than many people would believe, as it is estimated that as many as one-third of intracranial aneurysms are multiple. This can be alarming as multiple brain aneurysms are associated with a higher risk of bleeding and mortality than when they occur individually.
Causes and Risk Factors
So, what exactly causes brain aneurysms, and who is at greatest risk? Medical professionals believe that aneurysms form and grow because blood flowing through a blood vessel puts pressure on a weak area of the vessel wall, causing an aneurysm to form. There are several reasons why this may happen, with high blood pressure (hypertension) being the greatest risk factor for brain aneurysms and advanced age being second. Other factors that can cause weakness in the artery walls that can lead to brain aneurysms include being female, smoking cigarettes, family history of aneurysms, inherited connective tissue disorders (such as Ehlers-Danlos syndrome), heavy alcohol use, and drug use.
Symptoms of Multiple Brain Aneurysms
Unfortunately, brain aneurysms usually do not present any symptoms when they are unruptured unless it presses on a nerve, which can cause vision loss and extreme headaches. Leaking or ruptured aneurysms can present serious symptoms including:
- A Sudden, Extreme Headache
- Nausea and Vomiting
- Weakness
- Numbness
- Difficulty Speaking
- Stiff Neck
- Blurred or Double Vision
- Light Sensitivity
- Seizure
- Drooping Eyelid
- Confusion
- And Loss of Consciousness
Diagnosis of Multiple Brain Aneurysms
Brain aneurysms often aren't diagnosed until they leak or rupture, with the most common symptom being a sudden, intense headache. This presents a serious health risk, and you should seek emergency medical attention if you experience a sudden headache that won't go away. A doctor can run tests to determine whether you have a ruptured or unruptured aneurysm including a CT / MRI scan, a lumbar puncture, or a cerebral angiogram. If more than one aneurysm is detected, a person will be diagnosed with multiple brain aneurysms.
Brain Aneurysm Treatment Options
If you're diagnosed with multiple brain aneurysms, your treatment options will depend on the number and condition of your aneurysms. If you have a leaking or ruptured aneurysm, this requires emergency surgery to close off the aneurysm, often using a procedure called surgical clipping. If you have unruptured aneurysms, your doctor may still decide to perform surgical clipping to prevent a future aneurysm, or they may choose to leave the aneurysm alone due to the risks surgery presents.
Living With Brain Aneurysms
If you're diagnosed with unruptured aneurysms and your doctor decides forgoing surgery is the best course of action, this doesn't mean that there aren't steps that you can take to reduce your risk of a rupture. Living a healthier lifestyle by eating healthy and exercising, getting your blood pressure under control, and not using cigarettes, alcohol, or recreational drugs can all significantly lower your chances of a rupture. It is also essential when living with multiple brain aneurysms that you regularly check in with your doctor, as they may want to run tests to assess the condition of your aneurysms. It is also important that you maintain your mental health and seek help if necessary, as many people with multiple brain aneurysms suffer from anxiety and depression.
If you take steps to maintain your physical and mental health, you can reduce your risk of a rupture in the future. The most important thing is to continue to check in with your brain aneurysm specialist in Singapore such as Dr. Manish Taneja, so that they can monitor any changes. If you suffer from multiple aneurysms, contact us today. Our specialized brain aneurysm clinic in Singapore can provide comprehensive evaluation of your condition as well as personalized treatment options. Schedule an appointment today to discuss your concerns and manage your health effectively.
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.