Brain Aneurysm
A brain aneurysm is a balloon-shaped bulge that forms in a blood vessel in the brain. At first glance, the bulge looks like a berry hanging from the brain stem. A brain aneurysm can leak or rupture and cause bleeding into the brain (hemorrhagic stroke).
A ruptured brain aneurysm most often occurs in the space between the brain and the thin tissue that covers the brain. This type of hemorrhagic stroke is called a subarachnoid hemorrhage. A ruptured aneurysm is a life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical attention.
However, most cases are unruptured brain aneurysms. This condition does not cause any health problems or cause any symptoms. It is usually detected when the sufferer is undergoing an examination to diagnose another medical condition. In some cases, treatment for an unruptured brain aneurysm can prevent a future rupture.
Brain Aneurysm Symptoms
The symptoms that appear are differentiated based on the severity of the disease experienced by the sufferer. The two types are unruptured brain aneurysm and ruptured brain aneurysm. Here is an explanation of each:
1. Unruptured Brain Aneurysm
Unruptured brain aneurysms generally do not cause symptoms in sufferers. New symptoms will appear when the size of the aneurysm gets bigger and presses on the nerve tissue in the brain. The following are symptoms experienced by sufferers of unruptured brain aneurysms:
- Vision problems, such as vision loss or double vision.
- Pain above or around the eye.
- Numbness or weakness on one side of the face.
- Difficulty speaking.
- Headache.
- Loss of balance.
- Difficulty concentrating.
- Having problems with short-term memory.
2. Ruptured Brain Aneurysm
Symptoms of a ruptured brain aneurysm start with a sudden and excruciating headache. The pain is like being hit by a blunt object and feels very painful. The following are the symptoms experienced by people with a ruptured brain aneurysm:
- Loss of consciousness.
- Convulsions.
- Feeling sick.
- Blurred or double vision.
- Sudden confusion.
- Neck feels stiff or sore.
- Decreased sensitivity to light.
- Weakness on one side of the body or a particular limb.
Causes of Brain Aneurysm
A brain aneurysm is caused by a weakness in the walls of blood vessels in the brain. The brain requires a large blood supply. This blood supply is sent through 4 major blood vessels that run from the neck to the brain. These blood vessels divide into smaller vessels.
If you can imagine it, it is like a tree trunk that splits into branches and twigs. Most aneurysms develop at points where blood vessels divide and branch because these areas are considered weaker than other areas.
Brain Aneurysm Risk Factors
There are several conditions or habits that increase a person’s risk of developing a brain aneurysm. Here are some of them:
- Smoking. Smoking can significantly increase the risk of developing a brain aneurysm. This is due to the harmful substances in tobacco smoke that damage the walls of blood vessels.
- High blood pressure. The risk is higher if you are a high blood pressure sufferer who is obese, consumes a lot of salt, eats less vegetables and fruits, and consumes excessive alcohol.
- Family history. Having a parent, brother or sister with a history of brain aneurysm is an unavoidable risk factor.
- Age. The risk of developing a brain aneurysm increases with age. Most cases are diagnosed in people over the age of 40.
- Gender. Women are at greater risk of developing a brain aneurysm than men because estrogen levels are significantly lower after menopause.
- Weakness in the blood vessels. In some cases, brain aneurysms are caused by a weakness in the blood vessels that is present at birth.
- Severe head injury. Brain aneurysms can develop after a severe brain injury, especially if blood vessels in the brain are damaged. This trigger is rare.
- Autosomal polycystic kidney disease. This is a genetic condition that causes many cysts to develop in the kidneys. Cysts are characterized by small, fluid-filled sacs.
- Tissue disorders. Tissue disorders in people with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome or Marfan syndrome cause weakness in the walls of blood vessels in the body, including the brain.
- Coarctation of the aorta. This condition is characterized by a narrowing of the main artery in the body (aorta), which is present from birth. This disease is a common type of congenital heart disease.
Brain Aneurysm Diagnosis
The correct step in diagnosing a brain aneurysm is to perform an examination. First of all, the sufferer will be asked about symptoms, previous illness history and family history of illness, as well as daily activities.
If there is a suspicion of a brain aneurysm, the doctor will perform a number of supporting examinations to confirm the diagnosis. Some of these supporting examinations include:
1. CT Scan (A Computerized Tomography)
The patient is positioned lying down in this examination. Then the doctor will insert a contrast agent or dye into the patient’s body. The goal is so that the aneurysm can be seen when the image of the brain’s blood vessels is taken.
2. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
Similar to a CT scan, the patient will lie down. Then the doctor will scan the blood vessels in the brain. Aneurysms that are larger than 3–5 millimeters can be detected using an MRI or CT scan.
3. Angiogram
Angiogram can show weak points in blood vessels is a good test to detect aneurysms. In this test, the sufferer will be given anesthesia and a tube-like device is inserted through the blood vessels in the legs, up to the blood vessels in the head.
Then, the dye will be inserted by the doctor into the blood vessels of the brain and the condition of the blood vessels will be seen on the monitor screen. If there is an aneurysm in the brain, it can be seen directly with this examination.
4. Examination of Spinal Fluid (Cerebrospinal Fluid)
This supporting examination is carried out by taking spinal fluid using a special needle to see if there are any signs of bleeding.
Brain Aneurysm Treatment
Based on the stages, brain aneurysm therapy is divided into two types. In small aneurysms, which have not ruptured, and do not cause symptoms, therapy is carried out with routine observation, as well as taking preventive measures so that the aneurysm does not get bigger and rupture.
Some efforts made, such as:
- Do not take stimulant drugs.
- No smoking.
- Maintain normal blood pressure.
- Avoid foods that contain high fat.
- Get used to a healthy diet.
- Limit caffeine consumption.
- Do not lift heavy objects.
- Lose weight with a healthy diet.
Surgery is recommended if the aneurysm is at risk of rupturing. If a brain aneurysm ruptures, it is a medical emergency, and immediate surgery is required. This therapy aims to prevent blood from flowing to the site of the ruptured aneurysm. The procedures performed include:
1. Surgical Clipping
This surgery is performed by opening the skull and then attaching a clamp to the ruptured aneurysm.
2. Endovascular Coiling
This procedure is done by inserting a special tube (catheter) into a blood vessel in the leg until it reaches the head. Next, the doctor will install a device to close the bleeding (coil). This surgery is done without opening the skull.
3. Flow Diverter Surgery
This procedure is performed if the previous two procedures are not possible. In this type of surgery, a device called a stent will be installed in the blood vessel, so that blood can flow without leaking back. All surgical procedures are therapies that can cause the risk of complications, such as brain damage or stroke.
Brain Aneurysm Prevention
Aneurysms cannot always be prevented. However, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk of developing an aneurysm.
- Quit or don’t smoke.
- Consume a balanced nutritious diet and reduce salt intake.
- Reduce alcohol consumption.
- Maintain ideal body weight by following a healthy diet.
- Exercise regularly.
- Reduce caffeine intake.
When to See a Doctor?
It is recommended to immediately check yourself when a number of the symptoms mentioned appear. The right steps can save you from potential complications. Remember, losing your life is a fatal impact that can occur.