An aneurysm is a blood-filled balloon-like bulge in a blood vessel at the base of the brain that is caused by a weakness in the wall of an artery or vein. Aneurysms take years to develop and may never rupture or cause any symptoms.
Symptoms and Warning Signs of a Ruptured Aneurysm:
- Sudden, sever "thunderclap" headache
- Nausea and vomitting
- Vision problems
- Loss of consciousness
- Neck stiffness
- Seizures
Key Risk Factors
In addition to risk factors such as heredity, genetics, connective tissue disorders and head trauma, other risk factors that can be managed and controlled include:
- Hypertension: High blood pressure is the leading risk factor associated with aneurysm.
- Smoking: Smoking contributes to hypertension and causes vessel wall changes that predispose the artery to weakening and developing an aneurysm.
- Alcohol Use: Having more than five drinks a day has been shown to contribute to the formation of aneurysms.
Diagnosis
Most people will not have any symptoms of an aneurysm until it ruptures. At this point, blood begins to leak into the brain causing a subarachnoid or intracranial hemorrhage, leading to a stroke.
Early diagnosis is critical for greater chances of survival. Through the use of neuroimaging technologies, such as: CT scans, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and angiography.
Treatment
- Surgical Clipping involves performing a craniotomy, exposing the aneurysm, and closing the base of the aneurysm with a clip chosen specifically for the site.
- Endovascular Coiling is a neuroendovascular interventional radiology procedure performed in a bi-plane angiography suite. A guide wire is traced to the neck of the aneurysm and coils are passed over the catheter into the aneurysm until enough coils are placed inside the aneurysm to induce clotting.
