Brain Aneurysms
The arteries in the brain occasionally develop a weak spot or bulge, which is called an aneurysm. The concern is that it can burst or rupture at that weak spot, causing blood to leak into the brain, a brain aneurysm hemorrhage. A rupture is very serious, often fatal or leaving permanent paralysis and disability.
Doctors detect aneurysms with various scans. There are two surgical treatments that reduce the risk of rupture. One is open brain surgery (craniotomy) the other, less invasive, is endovascular surgery. Which is appropriate depends on where the aneurysm is located.
An aneurysm is a very serious medical condition and requires immediate attention.
Recently Answered
- Q What physical symptoms may be involved in recovering from a brain aneurysm?
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During the recovery phase, you may experience a number of physical symptoms. These are common to people recovering from a brain aneurysm. These include: headaches vision impairment back pain jaw pain pain at the surgery site exhaustion cognition... Full Answer
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- Q What is vasospasm and how does it relate to a brain aneurysm?
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Vasospasm is a spasm of the blood vessels. After a brain aneurysm ruptures, the brain's blood vessels may expand and contract rapidly. This action can restrict blood flow to the brain leading to stroke and additional brain damage. To treat this symptom,... Full Answer
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- Q What is involved in recovering from a ruptured brain aneurysm?
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Recovery time varies depending on how much damage was done to the brain and body by the rupture. For most people, ruptures are treated with surgery, so the first step in recovery is post-operative. A hospital stay for a week up to a month after surgery... Full Answer
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- Q How can I prevent cerebral aneurysms?
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There are no known ways for preventing a cerebral aneurysm. People diagnosed with a brain aneurysm should carefully control high blood pressure, stop smoking, and avoid the use of cocaine or other stimulant drugs. They should also consult a doctor about... Full Answer
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- Q How are cerebral aneurysms classified?
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There are three types of cerebral aneurysms. A saccular aneurysm is a rounded or pouch-like sac of blood that is attached by a neck or stem to an artery or a branch of a blood vessel. Known as a berry aneurysm (because it resembles a berry hanging from a... Full Answer
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- Q What complications can arise after a brain aneurysm ruptures?
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Multiple complications can result from a ruptured brain aneurysm. These include: Additional ruptures; Vasospasm, erratic spasms of the blood vessels which can lead to stroke; Subarachnoid hemorrhage, which is bleeding into the cavity between the brain... Full Answer
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- Q What is a cerebral aneurysm?
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Cerebral aneurysm, also called brain aneurysm, is a ballooning-out of the wall of an artery in the brain. Often this wall is weakened by disease, injury or defect present at birth. Aneurysms are often caused or made worse by high blood pressure. They... Full Answer
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- Q What are the symptoms of a growing brain aneurysm?
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An aneurysm that is growing, but hasn’t burst, may cause pressure on nerves or tissue in the brain. This pressure may cause: Headache or neck pain Fuzzy or double vision, or loss of vision Numbness in the face Enlarged pupil size Drooping... Full Answer
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- Q Should I talk to my doctor about my brain aneurysm symptoms?
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Most aneurysms are detected only after they have ruptured, which is a medical emergency. If you experience the symptoms of a ruptured brain aneurysm, such as severe headache, vision changes, and nausea, seek emergency medical attention at once. However,... Full Answer
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- Q How do I manage a brain aneurysm on a daily basis?
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A ruptured brain aneurysm requires immediate emergency treatment. However, if you have an unruptured brain aneurysm, consult a doctor for recommended treatment. The doctor may consider the size and location of the aneurysm, your overall health, family... Full Answer
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