What Is A Brain Aneurysm?

A brain aneurysm is a very serious condition. If not treated, it can lead to severe health conditions or even death. Diagnosing the condition and getting treatment immediately is the only way to prevent these problems from happening.

A brain aneurysm is characterized by a blood filled bulge on the wall of a blood vessel. It starts off small and over time begins to balloon out. When the brain aneurysm grows the blood vessel becomes smaller and begins to weaken. Blood cannot flow freely through the vessel and therefore the brain cannot receive a sufficient amount of blood and oxygen to function properly. Once the brain aneurysm becomes very large it can rupture. This could cause many different severe heath problems including coma and death.

There are many different warning signs that a brain aneurysm is forming. Dizziness and loss of balance are common symptoms. These are caused by the lack of blood and energy getting to the brain. The reduced oxygen will also cause fatigue and decreased energy. Short-term memory loss and lack of concentration are also common symptoms of a brain aneurysm. Other symptoms include speech problems and change in behavior.

There are also many different symptoms that will indicate that the brain aneurysm has ruptured and immediate medical attention is needed. The most common symptom is severe headache. This will be like no other headache you have ever experienced. It will be somewhat like a migraine, but much worse. Blurred or double vision and sensitivity to light also indicate that the brain aneurysm has ruptured. One symptom that many people overlook is a stiff neck or neck pain. Generally, brain aneurysms occur at the base of the cranium where it meets the spine. There is a large artery that is susceptible to aneurysms.

 Once you have diagnosed the ruptured brain aneurysm it is important to get treatment right away. This is done by one of two surgeries. Clipping is the most commonly used surgery for brain aneurysms. A small metal clip will be attached to the end of the brain aneurysm. This will reduce the pressure and removes it from the circulation of blood.

The other surgery is done in a similar way. A small tube is inserted into the artery where the brain aneurysm is located. Metal coils are then put through the tube and attached to the brain aneurysm. This will relieve pressure and stop the blood flow to the aneurysm. These treatments are only an option if the rupture has already occurred. Unfortunately, there is no treatment for unruptured brain aneurysms that has been proven to work. However, many doctors will prescribe corticosteroids to help reduce the inflammation and possible prevent the rupture.