Brain Aneurysm
Brain Aneurysm
WHAT IS
Brain aneurysm?
A brain aneurysm is a bulge or ballooning in a brain blood vessel. It can leak or burst, which can lead to a hemorrhagic stroke that can be fatal. They often don’t cause any symptoms and may be found by accident or after they’ve ruptured.
causes
High Blood Pressure
Cigarette smoking
family history
age
Infections or trauma
Drug use
Excessive alcohol use
Genetic conditions
Sex
Pre-existing vascular abnormalities
Congenital vessel wall weakness
symptoms
Sudden, Severe Headache
Blurred or Double Vision
Numbness or weakness on one side of the face
Drooping
Eyelid
Dilated
Pupils
Stiff
Neck
Difficulty
speaking
Nausea or
Vomiting
Loss of consciousness or confusion
Sensitivity to Light (Photophobia)
Seizures
Weakness or numbness in limbs or face
if untreated?
Rupture Risk

The aneurysm may burst, causing bleeding in or around the brain
Brain Damage

Bleeding puts pressure on brain tissue, causing swelling, stroke, and irreversible neurological damage.
Disability

Survivors of rupture may suffer long-term impairments like memory loss, physical disability, seizures, speech difficulties, personality changes, and emotional disorders.
Increased Anxiety

Even unruptured aneurysms can cause significant mental health issues such as anxiety and depression due to fear of rupture.
Death

Approximately 40-50% of people with a ruptured brain aneurysm die within the first few weeks without treatment.
Reduced Life Expectancy

Untreated large or complex aneurysms can significantly shorten life expectancy.
Diagnosis
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Cerebral Angiography (DSA – Digital Subtraction Angiography)
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In order to obtain detailed X-ray images of blood vessels and aneurysms, a catheter is inserted into the brain arteries and contrast dye is injected. -
This invasive procedure, known as cerebral angiography, is regarded as the gold standard.
CT Scan (Computed Tomography)
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Usually the first test performed, particularly if there is a suspicion of brain rupture and bleeding. -
It can identify stroke or bleeding and provides two-dimensional images of the brain.
CT Angiography (CTA)
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In order to identify and measure aneurysms, a specialized CT scan using contrast dye called CT Angiography (CTA) produces finely detailed three-dimensional images of the brain's blood vessels
MRI / MRA (Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Angiography)
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Creates fine-grained pictures of the brain and blood vessels using radio waves and magnetic fields. -
A non-radiative MRI technique that focuses on the arteries in the brain to detect aneurysms and their features.
Lumbar Puncture (Spinal Tap)
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Cerebrospinal fluid is tested for blood to diagnose subarachnoid hemorrhage caused by aneurysm rupture if a CT scan is negative but bleeding is clinically suspected.
Interventional Radiology
treatment
Coiling
Usually used for aneurysms or fistulas connected to spinal AVMs, tiny platinum coils are inserted via catheter into aberrant blood vessel spaces, resulting in clotting and vessel closure.
Stent-assisted coiling
In cases of complex or wide-necked spinal aneurysms and fistulas, a stent is inserted inside the vessel to support coil placement and stop coil migration.
Flow Diversion
Rarely used for certain spinal arteriovenous fistulas or vascular lesions, flow diversion involves inserting a specialized stent (flow diverter) across the afflicted vessels to reroute blood flow away from the malformation, resulting in the abnormal vessel gradually closing.
Woven EndoBridge
A self-expanding braided nitinol mesh ball called a Woven EndoBridge (WEB) is placed inside the aneurysm sac to prevent blood flow to the aneurysm and encourage occlusion and clotting. It minimizes the need for stents or long-term blood thinners, is minimally invasive, and is perfect for wide-neck bifurcation aneurysms.
