A brain aneurysm, also known as a cerebral aneurysm, occurs when a weakened area of an artery in or around the brain bulges outward, forming a blister-like protrusion due to continuously raised blood pressure. While brain aneurysms can form in various locations, they most commonly develop in the primary arteries at the base of the skull.
Most aneurysms of the brain are small and symptomless. However, if an aneurysm presses against nearby nerves or brain tissue, it may produce symptoms. Additionally, if an aneurysm leaks or ruptures, it can lead to bleeding in the brain; a potentially life-threatening situation requiring immediate medical intervention.
In this article, we will explore brain aneurysm symptoms, causes, and other important facets of this condition.
Symptoms Of Brain Aneurysms
Brain aneurysm symptoms are classified into two types:
- Symptoms of a ruptured brain aneurysm
- Symptoms of an unruptured brain aneurysm
Symptoms of a ruptured aneurysm include:
- A sudden, intense headache is a primary sign of a ruptured aneurysm, which is likened to being hit on the head, resulting in a blinding pain unlike anything experienced before.
- Confusion
- Drowsiness
- Drooping eyelid
- Muscle weakness
- Numbness
- Seizures
- Stiff neck
- Double vision or vision loss
- Loss of consciousness
Symptoms of an unruptured aneurysm include:
Most unruptured (intact) brain aneurysms do not cause symptoms. However, if they grow large enough, the bulging artery may press on nearby nerves or brain tissue, potentially leading to:
- Headaches
- Vision changes
- Enlarged pupil
- Tingling or numbness in the face or head
- Discomfort behind or above the eye
- Seizures
Understanding Brain Aneurysms: Ruptured V/s Unruptured
A ruptured brain aneurysm, also called a brain bleed, happens when the wall of the aneurysm bursts and blood leaks out. This can cause serious symptoms such as severe headaches and needs immediate medical attention.
On the other hand, an unruptured brain aneurysm usually doesn't cause any symptoms, and many people live with it for years without knowing. In this case, no blood has leaked from the blood vessel.
For unruptured aneurysms, doctors typically focus on treating those which are at a higher risk of rupturing. If the risk is low, they may just monitor the aneurysm over time or leave it as it is.
Understanding Brain Aneurysm Causes
The factors that lead to the formation of a brain aneurysm may also increase the risk of it rupturing (bursting) and causing bleeding. Experts believe that high blood pressure and smoking are the two major causes of brain aneurysms.
High blood puts excessive stress on the walls of blood vessels, leading to their weakening over time. This can result in the formation of an aneurysm, which can rupture and cause life-threatening bleeding in the brain. Managing blood pressure through a healthy lifestyle, regular monitoring, and medical care is crucial to reducing the risk of this serious condition.
Smoking tobacco greatly increases the risk of developing a brain aneurysm, especially in individuals with a family history of the condition. The harmful chemicals in tobacco smoke can weaken and damage the walls of blood vessels, making them more vulnerable to aneurysm formation.
Situations that can elevate blood pressure and potentially lead to a ruptured brain aneurysm include:
- Persistent stress or intense emotional outbursts, such as anger.
- Exerting significant physical effort, such as lifting, carrying, or pushing heavy objects like weights or furniture.
- Unmanaged high blood pressure.
Other key causes of brain aneurysms include:
- Family history of aneurysms
- Age
- Severe head trauma causing a weakened vessel wall.
- Certain body tissue disorders like Marfan syndrome, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome
- Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease.
Types Of Brain Aneurysms
Experts identify three main types of brain aneurysms:
This type of aneurysm resembles a small, round sac, similar to a berry on a stem. A saccular aneurysm extends from a main artery or one of its branches. It is the most common form of brain aneurysm.
In this type, the artery swells outward on all sides, creating a uniform bulge.
This form of aneurysm results from an infection. When an infection weakens the walls of brain arteries, it can lead to the formation of an aneurysm in the affected area.
How Is A Brain Aneurysm Diagnosed?
If you experience a sudden, severe headache or other symptoms suggesting a possible aneurysm rupture, testing is essential.
The following diagnostic tests and imaging techniques are commonly used to identify and assess aneurysm of the brain.
MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) uses radio waves and a powerful magnet to produce detailed images of the brain. Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA) can further highlight the aneurysm’s size, location, and shape.
A CT (Computed Tomography) scan is often the first imaging test for detecting a brain aneurysm. It provides detailed images of blood flow within the brain’s arteries.
In a cerebral angiogram, a catheter is inserted into a major artery, typically in the groin or wrist, and guided through the heart to the brain's arteries. A special dye is injected through the catheter, and X-rays are taken to reveal the condition of the arteries, helping to detect aneurysms if other tests are inconclusive.
The Final Takeaway
Every year, around 5 lakh people worldwide lose their lives to brain aneurysms. While this life-threatening condition tends to occur more often in older adults, it can affect individuals of any age, with the highest risk seen in those between 30 and 60 years old. A sudden, severe headache, with or without stroke-like symptoms, could indicate a brain aneurysm.
The key to survival lies in prompt medical intervention; the sooner you seek help, the better your chances. Stay informed and vigilant, as recognizing the warning signs of a ruptured brain aneurysm could be a matter of life and death, with awareness potentially saving a life.
References:
