Cerebral aneurysm
An aneurysm is a bulge in the artery wall of the brain that is caused by a weak vessel wall. Because the branch of a blood vessel is weaker than other parts of it, aneurysms are usually more common in this area. This bulge is usually balloon-shaped and full of blood. This lesion in people with aneurysms is usually not usually associated with any specific symptoms and does not pose a serious risk to the patient. On the other hand, a ruptured aneurysm can have fatal consequences.
What are the symptoms of an aneurysm?
Be sure to see your doctor if you have severe and frequent headaches or loss of consciousness or any of the following symptoms:
nausea and vomiting
Drowsiness
Loss of balance while walking
Neck cramps
Pupil dilation
Sensitivity to light
Two noses or sudden blurred vision
Sudden drooping of the eyelid
Confusion or loss of consciousness
Movement disorders in the limbs
What causes a cerebral aneurysm?
The incidence of aneurysms usually increases with age. This lesion is more common in people over 40 years of age. It is more common in women than men. There is currently no specific cause for this condition, and indicators such as age, gender, family history, smoking, and blood pressure can be influential.
How is an aneurysm diagnosed?
Various methods are used to diagnose aneurysms, including:
CT-Scan: A CT scan is used to image the brain using X-rays. The patient lies on the bed and moves into a device called a CT scanner. The device technician injects a contrast agent into the patient’s body, which makes the arteries and bloodstream more visible. This makes it easier to tell if there is an aneurysm.
MRI: MRI imaging is similar to CT-SCAN imaging, except that X-rays are not used. Using this method, very clear images of the body and brain can be obtained. MRI uses a magnetic field and radio waves to create accurate images of the patient’s brain and blood vessels. MRIs and CT scans can detect aneurysms larger than 3 to 5 millimeters.
Angiography: This test is the most reliable way to diagnose aneurysms. Angiography reveals weaknesses in blood vessels. During this imaging, the patient lies on the X-RAY bed and is anesthetized. The doctor attaches a small flexible tube (called a catheter) to a blood vessel in the patient’s leg. The doctor then directs the tube into the blood vessels in the neck, which are connected to the brain.
The doctor also injects a contrast agent into the patient’s body. Finally, x-ray imaging is performed. These images show the blood vessels in the brain very clearly. X-rays provide a comprehensive map of the patient’s brain to the doctor to easily diagnose the aneurysm.
Treatment of cerebral aneurysm
Clipping surgery: Clipping surgery is performed by craniotomy method. In this way, a slit is created in the skull first. The cerebral aneurysm is then removed and a metal clip or clamp is placed at the junction with the vein to prevent bleeding. Eventually the skull slit is welded.
Endovascular coiling: This procedure does not require skull splitting. The doctor inserts a catheter into the patient’s groin to reach the damaged vessel where the aneurysm is located.
