Brain Aneurysm
The Circle of Willis is the junction of the four major arteries, two carotid arteries and two vertebral arteries, that supply the brain with the necessary nutrition. The base of the brain contains the loop of these arteries, this junction might develop weak spots. These weak spots can balloon out and fill with blood creating an aneurysm. These may leak or rupture spilling into the surrounding brain tissue.
What are the symptoms of a Brain Aneurysm?
Unruptured Aneurysm
Peripheral vision deficits
Numbness
Weakness
Paralysis on one side of the face
A dilated pupil
Vision changes
Short term memory difficulty
Ruptured Aneurysm
Severe headache
Double vision
Vomiting
Stiff neck
Sensitivity to light
Seizures
Loss of consciousness
Cardiac arrest
Pain above and behind the eye
- Genetic connective tissue disorders that weaken the artery walls
- Polycystic kidney disease
- Arteriovenous malformations
- History of aneurysm
- Untreated high blood pressure
- Smoking
- Drug abuse
- Head trauma
- Brain tumor
- Infection in the arterial wall
Line of treatment depends upon:
- Age
- Overall health
- Size of the aneurysm
- Additional risk factors
Small sized aneurysms are observed as their rupture rate is low whereas large sized or symptomatic aneurysms need immediate surgery
The following treatment can be followed for both ruptured and unruptured brain aneurysms
- Embolization
- Surgical clipping
- Endovascular therapy (coiling)