Posted on : 21/03/2022      Views : 618

Getting Familiar with the Symptoms of Brain Aneurysm

A brain aneurysm can cause more than 13% of strokes that can be preventable if treated early. Rather than worrying about the condition, you should look for such symptoms that can depict a possibility of a brain aneurysm and consult a neurosurgeon at right time. In this blog, we will discuss the warning signs related to a brain aneurysm. Our panel of best neurologists in Jayanagar will also mention the reasons causing it. Keep reading to learn more.
 
What is a brain aneurysm? What are the types of brain aneurysms?
A brain aneurysm is a very thin-walled blood artery in the brain. This is comparable to a blood-filled, stretched-out, thin-walled balloon.

This can develop because of weak places in the artery walls, which can leak due to the constant blood flow through the arteries.

As per our experts practicing in the best neurology hospital in Bangalore, based on the clinical signs and symptoms, aneurysms can be divided into -

• Ruptured aneurysm
• Unruptured aneurysm

 
What are the reasons that can cause aneurysm?
Though there is no proven evidence of what causes an aneurysm, however, as per studies, multiple factors can play a role in causing an aneurysm. Following are some of those factors that can weaken the blood vessels and cause thinning of arteries-

• Long term exposure to smoking
• Chronic high blood pressure.
• Cocaine use
• History of brain injury
• Trauma
• Atherosclerosis or accumulation of fatty plaque over the lining of the blood vessels.

 What are the symptoms of an unruptured aneurysm?
In most cases, the unruptured aneurysm is asymptomatic. However, headaches are the most prevalent symptom of an intact aneurysm. Other symptoms to look for include:

• Changes in the vision
• The black part of the eye is enlarged (dilated) pupil.
• Seizures.
• On the head or face, numbness or tingling.
• Pain in the area above and behind the eyes.
• Nausea and vomiting are common side effects.
• Neckaches
• Reduced eye movement

What are the symptoms of a ruptured aneurysm?
The first evidence of a ruptured aneurysm is subarachnoid hemorrhage(SAH) which can cause symptoms like-

• Severe headache i.e described as the worst headache in someone’s life.
• Neck stiffness.
• Drowsiness or even coma are possible outcomes.
• Confusion
• Dizziness
• Balance issues
• Difficulty while speaking
• Risk of heart attack
• Double vision
• Blurred vision
• Disorientation
• Passing out
• Drooping eyelids
• Numbness or weakness in arm or leg

A leaking or burst brain aneurysm poses a serious risk of death. It necessitates immediate medical attention. The terrible headache appears out of nowhere and might continue for hours or days.
 
Do these aneurysms painful?
The majority of persons with an unruptured brain aneurysm are completely unaware that it exists. It normally does not create any discomfort or symptoms. When looking into the reasons for chronic headaches, much smaller aneurysms are discovered. Researchers aren't sure if headaches are linked to an aneurysm that hasn't ruptured. The enlarged blood vessel may be pressing on the nerves and tissues around the brain, causing the headache. Be aware of sudden severe headaches like thunderclap headache might be assigned of ruptured headache.

Headache that lasts for days and weeks can be due to a slowly leaking aneurysm.  Consult your neurologists as soon as possible in certain scenarios.
 
What are the complications that can happen due to bleeding aneurysms?
Blood rushes into or around the brain when an aneurysm leaks or bursts open. Blood pooling irritates brain tissue, causing the brain to get swollen. Permanent brain injury, stroke, and other problems such as tremors, seizures, coma, hydrocephalus are possible outcomes.
 
What are the treatment options available for an aneurysm?
Aneurysms in the brain can be treated surgically or nonsurgically.

• Metal clipping—in order to pinpoint the cause of the aneurysm, your surgeon will have to open the skull. After determining the cause, he or she will implant a metal clip at the aneurysm's orifice(opening) to stop the blood flow. Your skull will then be re-sealed.
•  Endovascular coiling is a method that does not involve a craniotomy (a procedure that opens up the skull). Your surgeon will place a tube-like structure comprised of small platinum coils into the groin blood vessel, which will directly enter the aneurysm and stop blood flow. This therapy method is less invasive in comparison to the previous one.

An aneurysm(whether ruptured or unruptured) is a life-threatening condition and can be fatal if left untreated. Look out for any above-mentioned symptoms and head to a nearby clinic or hospital for an early evaluation. Or you can always consult with our neurologists practicing in the best hospital in Bangalore for a second opinion if you need any.