A brain aneurysm is a situation or condition where the wall of the blood vessel bulges due to a weak area. Identifying the presence of a brain aneurysm is not possible until there is a rupture because it does not show any sign in its initial stage. The rupture causes the blood flow to enter the space that divides the brain and the skull. In such situations, the individual suffers severe symptoms, causing a stroke.
Are Brain Aneurysms Painful?
A brain aneurysm is painful. Although it does not show any signs in its initial stage, an individual will suffer from the following symptoms:
- Severe headaches
- Trouble in speaking
- Neck pain
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Development of sensitivity towards light
- Seizures
- Blurred vision.
The Causes Of A Brain Aneurysm
It is unknown how and why a brain aneurysm occurs in an individual. However, many people inherit the condition due to aging and hardening of the arteries. While a few risk factors are controllable, others only alleviate the situation. The following risk factors increase the chances of the occurrence of a brain aneurysm:
Family History- a person in the family having a history of a brain aneurysm
Previous Episode Of An Aneurysm- a person who had an earlier event of a brain aneurysm is likely to cause another
Gender- compared to men, women have a high degree of developing a brain aneurysm
Race- African Americans are likely to have the occurrence of a brain aneurysm at a higher rate when compared with others
High Blood Pressure (B.P)- people suffering from high blood pressure tend to develop an aneurysm
Smoking- use of tobacco products increase the chance of the occurrence of a brain aneurysm.
Diagnosis for Brain Aneurysm
As it is difficult to find out about the presence of a brain aneurysm if there is no rupture, a physician will perform computed tomography scan, computed tomography angiogram, magnetic resonance angiography, and cerebral angiogram to confirm the presence of a brain aneurysm.
Carrying out the tests will also be helpful for the physician to identify the location, the size, and the shape of an aneurysm.
Treatment
Based upon the results are received from the tests, the physician will think in several ways before providing appropriate treatment to cure an aneurysm. Things taken into consideration are the size of an aneurysm, the location, the age of the patient, other health factors, and risk factors that can elevate a brain aneurysm.
However, as the chances of rupturing for an aneurysm that measures less than 10 MM is low, physicians do not opt for surgery because of the increased risk factors. In such cases, the doctor will place the patient under observation rather than choosing an operation. During the period of observation, the physician will offer several methods that will help in keeping the blood vessels in a healthy condition. The methods include maintaining proper blood pressure by making changes to the diet and offering procedures that help in quitting smoking.
If an aneurysm is large or the patient had a previous case of a rupture, the doctor will opt for surgery. The doctor will also consider the symptoms and the pain experienced by the individual.
Procedures
The following procedures are helpful in treating both ruptured and unruptured brain aneurysms – surgical clipping and endovascular embolization. Choosing either of the processes depends on the condition of the patient, the age, the health condition, and other risk factors.
Also Read:
- Detecting Brain Aneurysm: What Does It Feel Like When You Have A Brain Aneurysm?
- How Long Can You Have A Brain Aneurysm?
- What are the Warning Signs of a Brain Aneurysm?
- How Do You Prevent a Brain Aneurysm?
- How Long Does It Take To Recover From A Brain Aneurysm Surgery?
- Do Brain Aneurysms Run In The Family?
- Can a Brain Aneurysm Be Cured?
