A cerebral aneurysm, also known as a brain aneurysm, refers to the dilation, bulging, or ballooning of a part of the artery wall within the brain. While this condition can occur at any age, it is more commonly observed in adults compared to children, with a higher incidence in women than men.
Cerebral aneurysms typically develop at arterial bifurcations, where the arteries divide, as these areas are inherently weaker. As the aneurysm enlarges, the arterial wall may become thinner. This thinning can lead to the aneurysm leaking or rupturing, resulting in bleeding into the brain. A ruptured brain aneurysm poses a life-threatening situation and requires immediate medical intervention.
Signs and symptoms
The signs and symptoms of an unruptured cerebral aneurysm can vary based on its size and rate of growth. A small, stable aneurysm may not cause any noticeable symptoms, while a larger, progressively growing aneurysm could lead to symptoms such as facial numbness or visual disturbances.
Following a rupture, an individual may experience immediate symptoms including a sudden and severe headache, nausea, vision problems, vomiting, and loss of consciousness.
Treatment
For unruptured cerebral aneurysms, treatment may be recommended in cases of large or irregularly-shaped aneurysms, or when symptoms are present. In contrast, individuals with a ruptured cerebral aneurysm typically require emergency treatment aimed at restoring compromised respiration and reducing abnormally high pressure within the brain. Treatment is crucial to prevent future aneurysm ruptures.
Surgical intervention aims to prevent the recurrence of aneurysm rupture. Surgeons typically place a metal clip at the base of the aneurysm during the procedure. In cases where surgery is deemed too risky, an alternative approach involves inserting a catheter into an artery in the groin and advancing it through the bloodstream to the site of the aneurysm. Once there, metal coils are deployed to induce clot formation within the aneurysm, effectively sealing it off.