Summary about Disease
A brain aneurysm is a bulge or ballooning in a blood vessel in the brain. It can leak or rupture, causing bleeding into the brain (hemorrhagic stroke). A ruptured aneurysm is a life-threatening condition. Many unruptured aneurysms cause no symptoms.
Symptoms
Unruptured Aneurysm: Often no symptoms. Large aneurysms may cause:
Headache
Vision changes
Numbness or weakness on one side of the face
Dilated pupil
Drooping eyelid
Ruptured Aneurysm: Sudden, severe headache is the hallmark. Other symptoms include:
Sudden, extremely severe headache
Nausea and vomiting
Stiff neck
Blurred or double vision
Sensitivity to light (photophobia)
Seizure
Loss of consciousness
Confusion
Causes
The exact cause is often unknown, but several factors can contribute:
Genetic Factors: Family history of aneurysms increases risk.
Congenital Conditions: Some people are born with weakened blood vessel walls.
High Blood Pressure: Chronic hypertension can weaken vessel walls.
Smoking: Damages blood vessels and increases blood pressure.
Drug Use: Cocaine and other stimulant drugs can raise blood pressure.
Traumatic Head Injury: Can damage blood vessels.
Age: Aneurysms are more common in adults than children.
Other Medical Conditions: Polycystic kidney disease, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, and other connective tissue disorders.
Medicine Used
Unruptured Aneurysm (Treatment to prevent rupture):
Medications to control blood pressure: Antihypertensives.
Pain relievers: For headaches.
Ruptured Aneurysm (Emergency Treatment):
Nimodipine: Calcium channel blocker to reduce vasospasm (narrowing of blood vessels).
Pain medication: To manage headache.
Anticonvulsants: To prevent or treat seizures.
Vasopressors: To raise blood pressure and improve blood flow to the brain.
Anti-nausea medications: To relieve nausea and vomiting.
Surgical Interventions may be necessary:
Clipping: Surgical clipping involves placing a tiny metal clip at the base of the aneurysm to stop blood flow into it.
Coiling (Endovascular Embolization): Endovascular coiling involves inserting a catheter into a blood vessel, usually in the groin, and guiding it to the aneurysm. Tiny detachable coils are then released into the aneurysm to block blood flow.
Is Communicable
No, brain aneurysms are not communicable or contagious. They are not caused by infections and cannot be spread from person to person.
Precautions
Control High Blood Pressure: Regular monitoring and medication if needed.
Quit Smoking: Smoking cessation programs and support groups.
Avoid Illicit Drug Use: Seek help for substance abuse.
Maintain a Healthy Weight: Diet and exercise.
Manage Cholesterol Levels: Diet and medication if needed.
Family History Awareness: If there is a family history, discuss screening options with a doctor.
Avoid Excessive Strain: Avoid heavy lifting or straining that can raise blood pressure.
How long does an outbreak last?
Brain aneurysm is not an "outbreak" disease. It is a condition affecting individuals. After a rupture, the acute phase of treatment and recovery can last weeks to months.
How is it diagnosed?
Neurological Exam: Assessment of reflexes, muscle strength, sensation, vision, coordination, and mental status.
CT Scan: Often the first test done to detect bleeding in the brain.
CT Angiography (CTA): CT scan with contrast dye to visualize blood vessels.
MRI/MRA: Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Magnetic Resonance Angiography provide detailed images of the brain and blood vessels.
Cerebral Angiogram (Arteriogram): Invasive procedure where a catheter is inserted into a blood vessel to inject contrast dye for X-ray imaging of brain arteries.
Timeline of Symptoms
Before Rupture (Unruptured Aneurysm): Often asymptomatic. If symptoms are present, they develop gradually over weeks or months.
Rupture: Symptoms appear suddenly and are severe.
Initial Phase: Severe headache, nausea, vomiting, stiff neck, loss of consciousness may occur immediately.
Subacute Phase (Days to Weeks): Risk of complications such as vasospasm, hydrocephalus, and rebleeding.
Recovery Phase (Weeks to Months): Gradual improvement in neurological function, rehabilitation may be needed.
Important Considerations
Early Detection is Key: For unruptured aneurysms, early detection allows for preventative treatment.
Emergency Treatment is Crucial: Ruptured aneurysms require immediate medical attention.
Long-Term Monitoring: Even after treatment, ongoing monitoring is necessary to check for recurrence or complications.
Individualized Treatment: Treatment plans are tailored to the individual, considering the size, location, and risk of rupture of the aneurysm, as well as the patient's overall health.
Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Any sudden, severe headache warrants immediate medical evaluation.