Also called intracranial, cerebral or berry aneurysm, the aneurysm forms because an artery in the brain has a weak spot. The weak and vulnerable spot will balloon or bulge as blood pumps through the brain’s blood vessel. The “ballooning” will create aneurysms.
Introduction to Brain Aneurysm: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prognosis
A brain aneurysm is a ballooning or bulge in a blood vessel in the brain. This post provides essential information on brain aneurysms—their causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis. Finally, we will suggest some basic lifestyle practices that will help prevent a brain aneurysm.
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. Those underlying causes 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
You were born with some causes and risk factors while others can be changed.
What are the Symptoms of a Brain Aneurysm?
Typically, you will experience symptoms once the blood vessel actually ruptures or becomes large enough to press up against surrounding structures in the brain. However, symptoms will depend on the size of the aneurysm, its location, and whether or not the aneurysm has ruptured.
Unruptured Brain Aneurysm Symptoms Include:
- Numbness or weakness on one side of the face
- A drooping eyelid
- Headache
- Blurred or double vision
- Dilated pupil of one eye
- Pain behind and above one eye
Ruptured Brain Aneurysm Symptoms Include:
- As in an unruptured brain aneurysm, blurred or double vision
- A severe, sudden headache, which patients often describe as the “worst headache of their life”
- Nausea and/or vomiting
- Stiffness in the neck
- Extreme sensitivity to light
- Seizures
- Loss of consciousness
- Altered mental state or confusion
Note: If you believe someone displays symptoms of a ruptured brain aneurysm, you must seek medical assistance immediately. Timely diagnosis and treatment can improve the chances of survival and reduce severe complications due to a debilitating stroke, for example. Learn more about the key differences between an unruptured and ruptured brain aneurysm.
How is a Brain Aneurysm Detected/Diagnosed?
The neurologist and neurosurgeon rely on a variety of imaging tests. The images produced by the following methods visualize the blood vessels in the brain to detect abnormalities:
- MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)—uses a magnetic field and radio waves to generate detailed images
- MRA (Magnetic Resonance Angiography)—a type of MRI that uses a contrast dye to detect and analyze aneurysms in the brain
- Cerebral Angiogram—an invasive test where a specially trained physician inserts a catheter into an artery in the patient’s groin and guides the catheter to the blood vessels in the brain, followed by injection of a contrast dye and X-ray images
What is the Treatment Plan Employed by a Brain Doctor Near Me for Brain Aneurysm?
Treatment depends on the size, location, and whether the aneurysm has ruptured. The plan can be as simple as monitoring for a small unruptured, asymptomatic aneurysm. The monitoring can include blood pressure, pain control, or seizure prevention medication. Other more invasive treatments include endovascular coiling and surgical clipping to block blood flow to weakened blood vessels in the brain.
We provide brain aneurysm care and treatment options at our specialized brain aneurysm clinic at Supreme Vascular and Interventional Clinic in Singapore.
What is the Prognosis of a Brain Aneurysm?
As in the treatment plan, the prognosis depends on the size, location, and whether the aneurysm has ruptured. Unruptured
What is the Most Effective Prevention of a Brain Aneurysm?
According to the Mayo Clinic and other sources, the best preventive measures to reduce the risk of a brain aneurysm include the following 7 basic lifestyle practices:
- Monitor your blood pressure
- Manage stress
- Don’t use tobacco
- Limit alcohol consumption
- Maintain a healthy diet
- Exercise regularly
- Maintain a healthy weight
How Can I Seek Help for Brain Aneurysm Treatment Near Me in Singapore?
In conclusion, a brain aneurysm is a serious medical condition that can be life-threatening if not diagnosed and treated promptly. Understanding the risk factors, symptoms, and treatment options can help individuals take steps to reduce their risk of developing a brain aneurysm and seek medical attention if any symptoms arise.
Remember, taking preventive measures such as maintaining a healthy lifestyle and seeking prompt medical care can help protect your brain health and reduce the risk of complications from a brain aneurysm. Our brain aneurysm clinic in Singapore understands the complexities of this condition and is dedicated to guiding you and your loved ones through every step of your journey, offering support, understanding, and expertise.
Supreme Vascular and Interventional Clinic Treatments
There are more several types of neurointerventional treatments we offer to treat different problems including brain aneurysm. Swipe to learn more.
Read More About Neurointerventional Treatments on Our Blog
To dive deeper into the types of neurointerventional treatments, head over to our clinic’s blog and view our helpful video guides.
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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.