What are the dangers of a Brain Aneurysm?
First we have to know that an aneurysm is a bulge in a blood vessel caused by a weakness in the blood vessel wall, usually where it branches. As blood passes through the weakened blood vessel, the blood pressure causes a small area to bulge outwards like a balloon. It may develop in any blood vessel in the body, but the two most common places are:
the abdominal aorta – the artery that transports blood away from the heart to the rest of the body
the brain
Most brain aneurysms only cause noticeable symptoms if they burst (rupture). This leads to an extremely serious condition known as a subarachoid haemorrhage, where bleeding caused by the ruptured aneurysm can cause extensive brain damage and symptoms such as:
Intense headache - a blinding pain unlike anything experienced before
stiff neck
sickness and vomiting
pain on looking at light
If the risk of rupture is considered low, a policy of active observation is normally recommended. This means you won't receive immediate surgery, but you'll be given regular check-up from your neurologist so your aneurysm can be carefully monitored. You may also be given medication to lower your blood pressure. Your neurologist will discuss lifestyle changes that can help lower the risk of a rupture, such as weight loss and / or reducing the amount of fat in your diet.
Through imaging screening techniques, individuals at high risk of harboring a brain aneurysm can be identified easily with non-invasive imaging tests. Some risk factors for developing brain aneurysms may include cigarette use, chronic hypertension and history of cerebral aneurysms in closely related family members. An aneurysm is often diagnosed using a variety of imaging equipment. Some methods include CT Scan, CTA, MRI and MRA.
If surgical intervention is recommended, the two main techniques used are called neurosurgical clipping and endovascular coiling. Both techniques help prevent ruptures by stopping blood flowing into the aneurysm. Treatment for brain aneurysms is more promising now than it was several years ago. #aneurysm #brainaneurysm #stroke #haemorrhage #brain #specialist #neurologist #winnielimkhoo #health #lifestyle #diet #exercise #tips #advise #manila #philippines
