What are some things people need to know about brain aneurysms?
- A brain aneurysm is a potentially life-threatening condition.
- It can be caused by various medical conditions and genetic predispositions.
- Severe headaches, blurred vision, and nausea are warning signs of a brain aneurysm.
- It is usually diagnosed using angiography.
- It can be treated using surgery if they have ruptured or there’s a risk that they will burst.
- You can’t prevent it, but you can lower your risk of suffering from it.
The human brain is a complex and remarkable organ that serves as the command center of our bodies. Despite that, it is not free from health risks. One such risk is a brain aneurysm. We know that some people have an idea of what a brain aneurysm is and how it can alter one’s life. This potential health concern is something that should be part of every conversation because it can affect all ages.
In this article, we will dissect the factors surrounding it. Read up and learn so you can help bring awareness to this treacherous health illness.
A Brain Aneurysm is a Potentially Life-Threatening Condition
A weak or bulging area in the wall of an artery within the brain is known as a brain aneurysm – a condition that is dangerous and sometimes fatal. Once this weak spot ruptures, it will lead to an extremely serious condition called subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH).
SAH occurs when there is bleeding into the space surrounding the brain and may cause sudden and severe symptoms. When this happens, it is advisable to get medical attention ASAP. Failure to do so may cause severe brain damage or even death.
There are three types of brain aneurysms:
- Saccular Aneurysm: This is the most common type of aneurysm. Some people call this a “berry” aneurysm because it appears as small, rounded pouches on the arteries at the base of the brain.
- Fusiform Aneurysms: these aneurysms involve the widening or ballooning of an entire blood vessel segment. This happens when the vessel wall of the arteries weakens.
- Mycotic Aneurysms: this type of brain aneurysm is caused by infections that weaken the blood vessel walls.
It Can Be Caused by Various Medical Conditions and Genetic Predispositions
Just like how complex our brain is, an aneurysm can develop from a web of complicated web factors. Our genetic component plays a significant role in the risk of developing brain aneurysms. Certain studies revealed that there are specific genes that affect the strength and integrity of the blood vessel walls, causing them to be more prone to this illness. This means that if we have a family history of aneurysms, the chances of us getting it is higher.
In addition to the hereditary component of this condition, some medical issues can contribute to the development of brain aneurysms.
People who suffer from specific medical problems such as polycystic kidney disease, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, Marfan syndrome, and vascular abnormalities have an increased susceptibility to having aneurysm. For patients with high blood pressure, you’re also at risk to develop such. Ensure religiously take your prescribed medications.
Identification of your risk requires knowledge of your medical background and discussion of any relevant risk factors with your healthcare professional.
With this said, Perpetual Help Medical Center- Las Pinas (PHMC-LP) has a dedicated NEUROSCIENCES COMPLEX for all of your neuro-related queries. Don’t hesitate to book an appointment today or ask for an assistance.
Severe Headaches, Blurred Vision, and Nausea Are Warning Signs of a Brain Aneurysm.
In every alarming health condition, knowing the symptoms is an advantage. So for this type of life-threatening disease, recognizing the telltale signs is crucial for early detection and effective treatment. Brain aneurysms can be classified as either ruptured or unruptured, with distinguishable implications:
Ruptured Brain Aneurysms:
Aneurysms that have ruptured cause bleeding in the area around the brain known as SAH or the subarachnoid hemorrhage. The person would feel a strong headache, stiff neck, nausea, and loss of consciousness resulting from this abrupt bleeding.
Unruptured Brain Aneurysms:
On the contrary, this type of aneurysm in the brain may not show any symptoms at all. However, you don’t have to be complacent as there’s still the possibility that it will rupture which may cause SAH.
It Is Usually Diagnosed Using Angiography.
A medical history evaluation, physical examination, and imaging studies are frequently used to diagnose brain aneurysms. On top of all of this is an Angiography. This is a common diagnostic procedure used by health professionals to see blood vessels and identify anomalies.
To obtain comprehensive images of the blood arteries in the brain, cerebral angiography requires injecting a contrast dye into the blood vessels. This process is followed by the use of X-rays or other imaging methods. Through this test, you can identify the location, shape, and size of an aneurysm. The information medical practitioners get from this will be valuable to plan the treatment for the patient.
Healthcare providers may also utilise CT (computer tomography) scans for diagnosis. This is usually the first imaging test they use to check if the blood has leaked into your brain.
It Can Be Treated Using Surgery if They Have Ruptured or There’s a Risk That They Will Burst.
Since this brain-related illness can be fatal, the treatment for this relies on many factors. Medical professionals take into consideration the size, location, and general health of the patient before diving into treating them. Prompt treatment is critical if an aneurysm has burst or is at high risk of rupture to save the patient from additional dangerous consequences.
One common form of treating this is surgical clipping. This involves fastening a tiny metal clip around the aneurysm to stop the blood flow and prevent it from bursting. A catheter is inserted into the damaged blood vessel in a different surgical procedure known as endovascular coiling. This method allows the surgeon to place a microscopic platinum coil into the aneurysm to encourage blood coagulation and stop it from erupting.
We understand that the whole treatment process can be a burden to those who have aneurysms. At PHMC-Las Pinas, our medical professionals respect the emotional state of each of our patients who are going through this. We would also like to share that only those with neurosurgery or interventional neuroradiology expertise can decide to the best course of action for each patient.
You Can’t Prevent It, but You Can Lower Your Risk of Suffering From It.
The painful truth about an aneurysm is that it’s unavoidable. But some steps can be taken to reduce the risks of suffering from one.
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle that includes a balanced diet, regular physical activities, and managing blood pressure can contribute to the overall health of the cardiovascular system. It’s essential to avoid using tobacco products and consuming too much alcohol because these are risky behaviors that can weaken blood vessels.
It’s advisable to communicate with your healthcare providers if you have a family history of brain aneurysms or any prevalent diseases that may lead to this.
When you open up to your specialists about what you feel, you help yourself to identify and treat possible aneurysms at an early stage. By doing this, they could advise for extra screening or monitoring.
Key Takeaway
After knowing what a brain aneurysm is we hope that you take the extra mile to look after yourself and your loved ones. This illness knows no age and exempts no one. Prevention is always better than cure.
Contact Perpetual Help Medical Center-Las Pinas today to inquire about our comprehensive treatment plans and services. Our team of skilled and qualified doctors is available to address any urgent health concerns you may have.
