Cerebral Aneurysm

What is Cerebral Aneurysm:

Cerebral Aneurysm, also known as intracranial or brain aneurysm, refers to a weakened area in the wall of an artery in the brain, leading to a bulge or ballooning of the blood vessel.

This condition poses a serious health risk as the aneurysm may rupture, causing bleeding into the surrounding brain tissue, which can result in a stroke, brain damage, or even death if not promptly treated.

Side effects of Cerebral Aneurysm:

The effects of a cerebral aneurysm can vary depending on its size, location, and whether it has ruptured or not. Common symptoms include severe headache, blurred vision, neck pain, nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light, and loss of consciousness.

In cases of rupture, individuals may experience a sudden, excruciating headache often described as the worst headache of their life, along with neurological deficits such as weakness, numbness, difficulty speaking, or seizures.

How is Cerebral Aneurysm diagnosed?

Diagnosing a cerebral aneurysm typically involves a combination of medical history review, physical examination, and advanced imaging tests. Doctors may order a computed tomography angiography (CTA), magnetic resonance angiography (MRA), or cerebral angiography to visualize the blood vessels in the brain and identify any abnormalities.

Additionally, if a rupture is suspected, a lumbar puncture (spinal tap) may be performed to analyze the cerebrospinal fluid for evidence of bleeding.

Potential treatments of Cerebral Aneurysm:

Treatment options for cerebral aneurysms aim to prevent rupture and manage symptoms. The choice of treatment depends on various factors, including the size and location of the aneurysm, the individual's overall health, and the risk of rupture.

• Observation: For small, unruptured aneurysms that are not causing symptoms, doctors may opt for a watch-and-wait approach, monitoring the aneurysm regularly with imaging tests to detect any changes over time.

• Medication: In some cases, medications such as calcium channel blockers or anti-seizure drugs may be prescribed to manage symptoms or lower the risk of complications, particularly for individuals who are not suitable candidates for surgical intervention.

• Endovascular Therapy: This minimally invasive procedure involves accessing the aneurysm through a catheter inserted into a blood vessel, typically in the groin, and deploying small coils or stents to block blood flow into the aneurysm, thereby reducing the risk of rupture. Endovascular coiling and stent-assisted coiling are common techniques used in this approach.

• Surgical Clipping: In cases where the aneurysm is accessible and the risk of rupture is high, surgical clipping may be recommended. This procedure involves placing a metal clip at the base of the aneurysm to prevent blood flow into it, effectively sealing it off from the surrounding blood vessels.

• Flow Diversion: A relatively newer technique, flow diversion involves placing a stent-like device across the neck of the aneurysm to redirect blood flow away from the aneurysm sac, promoting healing and preventing rupture over time.
  
  
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