The term “brain aneurysm” may sound scary. The reality is that brain aneurysms can be dangerous when they rupture. To understand how fast they grow, what happens if they rupture, and when you should see a top neurologist in Kolhapur, it’s important to understand what a brain aneurysm is.  

Think of a hose that has a weakened wall. When water flows through it, the weak spot bulges outward under pressure. In aneurysm, a blood vessel in your brain develops a weak spot that bulges outward due to the pressure of blood flow. 

Brain Aneurysm Growth Rate 

Aneurysms are of different sizes. Some may remain stable for years or may not change at all, while others can become enlarged pretty quickly. Some aneurysms may grow over time. Let’s explore the sizes of a brain aneurysm: 

• Small: Less than 5 mm 

• Medium: Between 6 and 15 mm 

• Extra Large: 16-25 mm or bigger 

Small aneurysms do not cause any serious symptoms, which is why they remain undetected. Many people don’t know they have aneurysms until they discover them in routine brain scans. 

Factors Influencing Growth 

Certain factors may affect the growth rate of an aneurysm. 

Size: A large aneurysm that is of unusual shape is more likely to grow fast and rupture as compared to the small or medium-sized aneurysms. 

Smoking: Continuous smoking weakens your blood vessel walls and causes inflammation. It not only increases your risk of developing brain aneurysms, but it’s also linked to enlarged or ruptured aneurysms.  

High Blood Pressure: It can weaken the walls of the blood vessels. Hypertension can put excessive stress on your arteries. This might expand the existing aneurysm or create a new one. 

Family History: If a close family member has a history of a brain aneurysm or subarachnoid haemorrhage, you can develop it too.  

Location: Brain aneurysms in certain parts of your brain are linked to faster growth. For example, aneurysms located at the back can become enlarged faster compared to those located in front of the head. 

Symptoms to Watch For 

Although a stable aneurysm may not produce any symptoms, a growing or ruptured aneurysm can lead to: 

• Pain on one side of the head 

• Blurred or double vision 

• Drooping eyelid 

• Numbness in the face 

• Slurred speech 

• Balance issues 

• Personality changes 

Visit the best neurology hospital in Kolhapur if you notice these symptoms. Get immediate medical care if you notice headaches with neck stiffness, nausea & vomiting, seizures, and loss of consciousness. 

Diagnosis and Monitoring 

Most small aneurysms are detected when you get a brain scan for other reasons. Regular brain scans, such as CT scans and MRIs, are used to spot brain aneurysms. Note that a growing aneurysm may not always cause notable symptoms until it bursts. That’s why it’s important to get regular brain scans if you are diagnosed with one. 

Treatment and Prevention 

Treatment for a brain aneurysm at WIINS Hospitals depends on location, size, and growth rate. Small aneurysms that remain stable for years may not require an invasive procedure. If it’s growing, your healthcare provider may recommend surgery to seal it and prevent the risk of rupture. For ruptured aneurysms, you may need immediate medical care to stop bleeding.