A brain aneurysm occurs when a balloon-like bulge develops on a blood vessel in the brain. While many aneurysms do not present noticeable symptoms or cause health problems, the condition can become life-threatening if the aneurysm ruptures.
Causes/Risk Factors
Brain aneurysms occur where artery walls are thin and weak. Certain factors such as family history, race, gender and other existing health conditions may increase the risk of developing an aneurysm.
Symptoms
The most common symptom of a ruptured aneurysm is a sudden, severe headache, sometimes accompanied by nausea or vomiting, vision problems, disorientation, dizziness or facial numbness, particularly on one side. Anyone experiencing these symptoms should seek immediate medical attention.
Unruptured aneurysms are most often detected during tests for other conditions. However, a large unruptured aneurysm may cause similar symptoms.
Diagnosis
Several types of tests are used to diagnose a ruptured aneurysm, including computerized tomography (CT) scanning, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), cerebral or tomographic angiography and cerebrospinal fluid testing.
Treatment
Surgery is generally necessary to treat a ruptured aneurysm and prevent further damage. Additional treatments such as physical therapy or speech therapy may be necessary for rehabilitation, as well as drugs to manage pain and prevent side effects such as seizures and strokes.
Complications
A ruptured aneurysm may damage brain cells and tissue. If a ruptured aneurysm begins to bleed again after treatment, further damage can occur.
Tags: ruptured aneurysm, further damage