Brain Aneurysms

A brain or cerebral aneurysm is a weakness in the wall of an artery causing a pouch or a swelling in the blood vessel. The thin walls of an aneurysm can burst and cause bleeding into the tissues of the brain.

There usually are few symptoms of a brain aneurysm. Sometimes, brain aneurysms press on a nerve or leak small amounts of blood before a major rupture, thus producing warning signs.

These symptoms, which can occur minutes to weeks before a rupture, include:

Severe headache

Facial pain

Double vision, droopy eyelid or other vision problems

If you have these symptoms, you should see a doctor quickly so that steps can be taken to prevent a massive hemorrhage.

Un-ruptured cerebral aneurysms may also be discovered when a head CT, MRI or angiogram is performed for some other reason. In this case, it is important to seek the opinion of a neurosurgeon to determine how to prevent further growth or rupture.

An actual rupture can produce the following symptoms:

A sudden, severe headache

A brief loss of consciousness that often follows the onset of the headache. Some people remain in a coma, but most often patients wake up feeling confused and sleepy. Within a few minutes or few hours, the patient may again begin to feel confused and sleepy.

Vomiting

Dizziness

Frequent fluctuations in the heartbeat and breathing rate often occur

Seizures

Paralysis on one side of the body or neurological problems (usually occurring in about 25% of the people who have subarachnoid hemorrhages)

Up to one-third of those who have a subarachnoid hemorrhage die during the hemorrhage because of extensive brain damage. Without proper treatment for the brain aneurysm, 20 to 30% will have a second bleed within the first month and those who survive three months have approximately a 3% chance every year of having another episode of bleeding. Because of the ominous prognosis with delayed definitive therapy, referral to a neurosurgeon with experience in treating subarachnoid hemorrhage is imperative.

Symptoms of a subarachnoid hemorrhage require emergency evaluation and treatment. If a subarachnoid hemorrhage is confirmed and the patient is medically and neurologically stable, the surgeon will determine the timing and choice of the best diagnostic and treatment options. Magnetic resonance angiography (MRA), CT angiography (CTA) and/or contrast angiography may be used to determine the exact size and location of the brain aneurysm. Depending on the results, the neurosurgeon will outline the treatment options.

For more information, speak to your physician or email us at info@nhneurospine.com.

As you read this information, keep in mind that all treatment and outcome results are specific to the individual. Only your physician can provide you with a detailed list of your specific indications, precautions, potential adverse events, and other important medical information.

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