Brain aneurysm is a serious medical condition that occurs when a blood vessel in the brain bulges or balloons out. A ruptured brain aneurysm can cause bleeding in the brain, leading to stroke, brain damage, or even death.

Early detection and treatment of brain aneurysm are crucial to prevent complications.

Symptoms

Many people with brain aneurysm do not experience any symptoms until the aneurysm ruptures. However, some individuals may experience the following symptoms:.

Severe Headache

An intense headache that comes on suddenly and is often described as the “worst headache of their life” can be a sign of a ruptured brain aneurysm.

The headache may be accompanied by other symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound.

Numbness and Weakness

If the aneurysm presses against a nerve or damages the brain tissue, it can cause numbness or weakness in different parts of the body. This can include a drooping eyelid, difficulty speaking, or paralysis in one side of the face or body.

Vision Changes

A brain aneurysm can also affect vision, causing double vision, blurred vision, or loss of vision in one or both eyes. This happens when the aneurysm puts pressure on the optic nerve or damages the visual areas of the brain.

Seizures

Sometimes, a ruptured brain aneurysm can trigger seizures. Seizures may cause involuntary movements, loss of consciousness, or convulsions.

Diagnosis

If a doctor suspects a brain aneurysm, they may perform different diagnostic tests, including:.

CT Scan

A computed tomography (CT) scan uses X-rays to create detailed images of the brain. A CT scan can help detect bleeding in the brain and identify the location and size of the aneurysm.

MRI

A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) uses powerful magnets and radio waves to produce detailed images of the brain. It can help identify the aneurysm, its size and location, as well as the damage caused by the rupture.

Cerebral Angiography

Cerebral angiography is an invasive test that involves injecting a dye into a blood vessel in the groin and threading a thin catheter up to the brain. The dye shows up on X-rays and helps the doctor identify the aneurysm and plan for its treatment.

Treatment

The treatment for a brain aneurysm depends on its size and location, as well as the age and overall health of the patient. The three main treatment options are:.

Observation

For small and unruptured aneurysms, the doctor may recommend monitoring them regularly with imaging tests. This is to check if the aneurysm grows or changes over time.

Endovascular Coiling

Endovascular coiling is a minimally invasive procedure that involves threading a thin wire coil through a blood vessel in the groin and up to the aneurysm.

Once in place, the coil fills the aneurysm and prevents blood from flowing into it, reducing the risk of rupture.