All you need to know about Cerebral Aneurysms

by Apollo Hospitals Delhi Touching Lives

Brain aneurysms typically don’t cause symptoms until they leak or rupture, causing bleeding into the brain and are discovered during tests for other conditions. Even when they cause no symptoms, these aneurysms should be treated to prevent future ruptures. Find now specialized medical care for those diagnosed with brain aneurysms at Hospitals for Neurology in Delhi, Mumbai among other major cities in India.

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A brain aneurysm, also called a cerebral aneurysm or an intracranial aneurysm, is one of the most fatal neurological conditions. Aneurysms can lurk without symptoms, having the potential to leak or rupture causing bleeding out into the brain, which can have devastating effects on the individual, leading to brain damage or death. A ruptured brain aneurysm will most definitely need immediate medical attention of specialist brain surgeons at Neurology hospitals in Delhi, Mumbai among other Indian cities.

What is a Brain Aneurysm?

A brain aneurysm is a balloon or bubble-like growth that typically develops where a major artery branches into smaller arteries, often at the base of the brain. It is usually caused by continuous wear and tear on the artery walls, causing them to bulge out around weak spots. Aneurysms mostly affect adults between the ages of 35 to 60 years old, although children can also develop aneurysms.

Symptoms of an Aneurysm

The hallmark symptom of a ruptured aneurysm is a sudden and extremely severe headache that may occur with nausea, vomiting, stiff neck, impaired consciousness, seizures or coma. Symptoms of an unruptured aneurysm may include—

· Cranial nerve palsy or erratic muscle movements

· Dilated pupils

· Double vision

· Localized headache

· Pain above and behind the eye

What causes Cerebral Aneurysm?

Aneurysms have a variety of causes including high blood pressure and atherosclerosis, trauma, heredity, and abnormal blood flow at the junction where arteries come together. There are other rare causes of aneurysms. Mycotic aneurysms are caused by infections of the artery wall. Tumours and trauma can also cause aneurysms to form. Drug abuse, especially cocaine, can cause the artery walls to inflame and weaken.

Diagnosis of Brain Aneurysms

An unruptured aneurism may be present without showing any such possible symptoms, and could get detected while being tested for something altogether different. However, if an individual experiences sharp, sudden headaches or other symptoms related to a ruptured aneurysm, the doctors will prescribe a series of imaging tests, like—

1. Computerized tomography (CT)

A CT scan and a specialized X-ray exam is usually the first test used to determine the bleeding inside the brain. This test will produce 2D slices of the brain which makes it easier to pinpoint the location of the rupture as well as structure of the aneurysm.

2. Cerebrospinal Fluid Test

If there is a subarachnoid haemorrhage, there will most likely be red blood cells in the fluid surrounding the brain and spine (cerebrospinal fluid). This will be done if there are symptoms of a ruptured aneurysm, but a CT hasn’t produced a clear enough picture.

3. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

An MRI uses a magnetic field and radio waves to create detailed images of the brain, either 2-D slices or 3-D images. A type of MRI that assesses the arteries in detail (MRI angiography) may detect the presence of an aneurysm.

Brain Aneurysms are quite common occurrences and requires special and emergent medical care. With globalization and progress in the world of medicine, state-of-the-art treatment and care for this condition can be availed at the top Neurology hospitals in Delhi, Mumbai among other big cities in India.