A cerebral aneurysm, often termed a brain aneurysm, is a bulging of a portion of an artery wall within the brain. While it can develop at any age, it’s more prevalent in adults than children. Typically, cerebral aneurysms form at arterial junctions where the walls are inherently weaker. As the aneurysm enlarges, the arterial wall weakens further. This thinning can result in leakage or rupture, causing bleeding into the brain. A ruptured brain aneurysm poses a grave threat to life and necessitates immediate intervention.
Symptoms
The symptoms of an unruptured cerebral aneurysm vary depending on its size and growth rate. A small, stable aneurysm may be asymptomatic, while a larger, progressively growing one may present symptoms such as facial numbness or visual disturbances. Following a rupture, individuals may experience an abrupt and intense headache, nausea, vision impairment, vomiting, or loss of consciousness.
Treatment
For unruptured aneurysms, intervention might be advised for those that are large or irregularly shaped, or for those causing symptoms. Ruptured cerebral aneurysms necessitate immediate treatment to restore declining respiration and alleviate abnormally high brain pressure. This treatment is crucial for preventing recurrent aneurysm rupture. Surgery is a preventive measure against further aneurysm rupture, involving the placement of a metal clip at the aneurysm’s base. Patients deemed unfit for surgery may undergo a less invasive procedure, wherein a catheter is inserted into a groin artery and navigated through the bloodstream to the aneurysm site. Metal coils are then deployed through the catheter to induce clot formation within the aneurysm.