Brain (cerebral) aneurysm

Brain (cerebral) aneurysm

A brain (cerebral) aneurysm is a bulging, weak area in the wall of an artery that supplies blood to the brain. In most cases, a brain aneurysm causes no symptoms and goes unnoticed. In rare cases, the brain aneurysm ruptures, releasing blood into the skull and causing a stroke.

When a brain aneurysm ruptures, the result is called a subarachnoid hemorrhage. Depending on the severity of the hemorrhage, brain damage or death may result.

The most common location for brain aneurysms is in the network of blood vessels at the base of the brain called the circle of Willis.

Causes

Ø  Hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis)

Ø  Aging

Ø  Family history

Ø  Previous aneurysm

Ø  Gender.

Ø  Race

Ø  High blood pressure

Ø  Smoking

Symptoms

v  A sudden, severe headache that is different from past headaches.

v  Neck pain.

v  Nausea and vomiting.

v  Sensitivity to light.

v  Fainting or loss of consciousness.

v  Seizures.

Tests

you have a brain aneurysm, you may have the following tests:

• Computed tomography (CT) scan.
• Computed tomography angiogram (CTA) scan.
• Magnetic resonance angiography (MRA)
• Cerebral angiogram.

Treatment

The following surgeries are used to treat both ruptured and unruptured brain aneurysms:

• Embolization
• Surgical clipping.