Understanding Cerebral Aneurysms

Posted Wednesday, April 17, 2024

Did you know? Approximately 50% of ruptured aneurysm cases are fatal.

Of all the people diagnosed with a brain cerebral aneurysm, 20% have more than just one aneurysm.

A cerebral aneurysm, also known as a brain aneurysm, occurs when a bulge or ballooning expands in a weakened area of a blood vessel in the brain. The blood vessel wall becomes too thin when an aneurysm expands, causing a rupture. This rupture can cause bleeding in that part of the brain. Rupturing aneurysms can be life-threatening.

01 | Signs and Symptoms

Symptoms for brain aneurysms that haven’t ruptured normally don’t cause symptoms. However, once ruptured, an aneurysm can cause severe symptoms such as:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Blurred or double vision
• Rapid onset headache
• Seizure
• A drooping eyelid
• Loss of consciousness
• Confusion

02 | Diagnosis

Some of the tests and procedures used to diagnose and detect brain aneurysms include:

• CT scan — This is normally the first test used to detect bleeding in the brain.
• Lumbar puncture (spinal tap) — This test can help make a diagnosis if a CT scan doesn’t show evidence of bleeding.
• Cerebral angiogram — This procedure is usually a last resort if the other tests don’t provide enough information.

03 | Treatments

Treating a ruptured aneurysm requires surgery or endovascular therapy, which treats the aneurysm from within the artery. Symptom-relieving treatments may also be given. For unruptured aneurysms, patients are recommended to discuss with their healthcare provider. Potential treatment options include a surgical clip, an endovascular coil or a flow diverter. In this case, a patient must decide if not intervening with the aneurysm outweighs the risk of undergoing treatment.

Learn More

For more information on cerebral aneurysms and supportive resources, please visit mayoclinic.org.

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References

https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/cerebral-aneurysm

https://www.bafound.org/statistics-and-facts/

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/brain-aneurysm/symptoms-causes/syc-20361483