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Aneurysms
Aneurysms usually do not present with symptoms unless they rupture and cause bleeding into the brain. Often, an aneurysm is found when a CT scan or MRI is performed for another reason. Symptoms occur if the aneurysm pushes on nearby structures in the brain.
Symptoms depend on what structure the aneurysm pushes on, but may include: double vision, loss of vision, Headaches, Eye pain, Neck pain. A sudden, severe headache that is often described as "the worst headache of your life" is one symptom that an aneurysm has ruptured. Other symptoms of an aneurysm rupture may include: Confusion, lethargy, sleepiness, or stupor, Eyelid drooping, Headaches with nausea or vomiting, Muscle weakness or difficulty moving any part of the body, Numbness or decreased sensation in any part of the body, Seizures, Slow, sluggish, lethargic movement, Speech impairment, occasionally stiff neck, sudden onset of irritability, impulsivity, or poor temper control and vision changes, double vision or loss of vision. Symptoms often do not appear until bleeding (a rupture) occurs. A ruptured cerebral aneurysm is an emergency condition. The goal of treatment is to control symptoms and prevent further bleeding. Lowering blood pressure can reduce the risk.
Neurosurgery is the main treatment for cerebral aneurysm. The base of the aneurysm is closed off with clamps, sutures, or other materials that prevent blood flow through the aneurysm.
In many cases, an alternative to surgery can be done by placing special coils or stents into the aneurysm through the arteries, which causes a clot to form and prevents further bleeding. This approach is considered less invasive than brain surgery, and in the appropriate circumstances, it is regarded as the best form of treatment.
If surgery cannot be performed because of a patient's overall condition or the aneurysm’s location or size, medical treatment is similar to treatment for subarachnoid hemorrhage. Treatment may involve: Complete bed rest and activity restrictions, medications to prevent seizures and to control headaches and blood pressure.
Once the aneurysm is repaired, prevention of stroke due to blood vessel spasm may be necessary. This may include intravenous fluids, certain medications, and actually letting one's blood pressure run high.
Causes
Aneurysms in the brain occur when there is a weakened area in the wall of a blood vessel. An aneurysm may be present from birth (congenital) or it may develop later in life.
There are many different types of aneurysms. A berry aneurysm can vary in size from a few millimeters to over a centimeter. Giant berry aneurysms can reach well over 2 centimeters. These are more common in adults. Multiple berry aneurysms are inherited more often than other types of aneurysms.
Other types of cerebral aneurysm involve widening of an entire blood vessel, or they may appear as a "ballooning out" of part of a blood vessel. Such aneurysms can occur in any blood vessel that supplies the brain. Trauma and infection, which can injure the blood vessel wall, can cause such aneurysms. About 5% of the population has some type of aneurysm in the brain. Risk factors include a family history of cerebral aneurysms, and certain medical problems such as polycystic kidney disease and coarctation.
DIAGNOSIS
An eye exam may show increased pressure within the brain (raised intracranial pressure), including swelling of the optic nerve or bleeding into the retina of the eye.
Dr. Moza, a Simi Valley brain & back surgeon, may recommend the following tests to diagnose cerebral aneurysm and determine the cause of bleeding within the brain: CT scan of the head, lumbar puncture (spinal tap), MRI of the head (CT scans may be better at showing bleeding in the brain), Cerebral angiography or spiral CT scan angiography of the head to reveal the location and size of the aneurysm, Electroencephalogram (EEG) if seizures occur.
PROGNOSIS
The outcome varies. Patients who are in deep comas after an aneurysm ruptures generally do not do as well as those with less severe symptoms.
Ruptured cerebral aneurysms are often deadly. About 25% of people die within 1 day, and another 25% die within about 3 months. Of those who survive, more than half will have some sort of permanent disability.
PREVENTION
There is no known way to prevent the formation of a cerebral aneurysm. If discovered in time, unruptured aneurysms can be treated before causing problems. The decision to repair an unruptured cerebral aneurysm is based on the size and location of the aneurysm, and the patient's age and general health. It must be carefully considered given the risks both in operating and in watchful waiting.
COMPLICATIONS
Increased fluid pressure inside the skull , Loss of movement in one or more parts of the body , Other neurological problems (such as vision changes, difficulty speaking, or cognitive decline) , Permanent loss of sensation of any part of the face or body , Seizures, epilepsy , Stroke, Subarachnoid hemorrhage.
NOTE: A ruptured aneurysm is a medical emergency. Seek immediate medical help and treatment.
WHEN TO CONTACT A DOCTOR
Go to the emergency room or call the local emergency number (such as 911) if sudden or severe headache occurs, particularly if you also have nausea, vomiting, seizures, or any other neurological symptoms. Also call if you have a headache that is unusual for you, especially if it is severe or “the worst headache ever.”