Brain Aneurysm

A brain aneurysm is like a weak spot in a garden pipe that bulges out.
If the pressure gets too high, it can burst.

Overview

Symptoms

Risk factors

Treatment

Prevention

What is Brain Aneurysm?

A brain aneurysm is a weak spot in a blood vessel in the brain that bulges outward.
It’s like a balloon-like protrusion in the artery wall. Most aneurysms don’t cause symptoms and are often discovered incidentally during imaging tests for other reasons.

Types of Brain Aneurysms

Berry Aneurysms: These are the most common type, resembling a berry shape.
Fusiform Aneurysms: These are elongated bulges in the artery wall.
Saccular Aneurysms: These are pouch-like protrusions.

These variations can arise due to the weakened areas in the walls of a blood vessel.

Symptoms of a Brain Aneurysm

Often, there are no symptoms until the aneurysm ruptures. However, in some cases, a growing aneurysm may cause symptoms like:

- Severe headache
- Double vision
- Nausea and vomiting
- Neck pain
- Sensitivity to light

Risk Factors for Brain Aneurysms

Several factors can increase the risk of developing a brain aneurysm:

High blood pressure
Smoking
Atherosclerosis
Family history of aneurysms
Age
Certain connective tissue disorders like rheumatoid arthritis, scleroderma and lupus.

Treatment Options

Treatment depends on the size, location, and whether the aneurysm has ruptured. Surgery is often necessary to prevent this from happening. Options include:

Observation: If the aneurysm is small and not growing, it may be monitored without immediate treatment.
Clipping: A surgical procedure to place a metal clip at the base of the aneurysm to prevent blood flow.
Coiling: A less invasive procedure where tiny platinum coils are inserted into the aneurysm to block blood flow.

Benefits of Brain Aneurysm Surgery

Prevention of rupture: The most significant advantage is preventing a potentially fatal brain hemorrhage.
Reduced risk of stroke: By treating the aneurysm, you lower the risk of stroke, which can cause severe disability or death..

Dr. Ananth Egoor offers comprehensive care for patients with brain aneurysms. His expertise in aneurysm diagnosis and treatment ensures patients receive the best possible care.

Prevention of Brain Aneurysm

Though brain aneurysms can’t be prevented, you can lower your risk by not smoking and by reducing high blood pressure.

Stopping smoking can greatly reduce your risk of brain aneurysms.
Lower your risk by eating a healthy diet, especially reducing salt, and eating more fruits and vegetables.
Keep alcohol consumption within the recommended limits to reduce blood pressure.
Losing even a few pounds can improve your blood pressure and overall health.
Regular physical activity helps keep your heart and blood vessels healthy, reducing blood pressure.
Drink caffeine in moderation and ensure it’s not your only source of fluid.