A brain aneurysm is an illness where there is an occurrence of rupture in the blood vessel, which leads to the flow of blood into the space surrounding the brain. The blood flow to the brain causes severe damage and develops deficits that remain forever.
It is difficult to point out the presence of a brain aneurysm in its early stage because it does not show any symptoms. In a majority of the occurrences, the symptoms appear only after the rupture. However, in some instances, individuals can approach a neurologist one citing the following symptoms:
- Dizziness
- A severe headache
- Blurred vision
- Numbness on one side of the body
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Stiffness in the neck.
Diagnosis
Based on the symptoms encountered by the individual, the neurologist will carry out MRI or CT scan to understand the presence of a brain aneurysm. These tests will be helpful in pointing out the size, shape, and location of a brain aneurysm. It will further help in understanding about the severity of the condition.
Treatment
The only method to treat a brain aneurysm is by operating. The operation includes two formats where a doctor can insert a clip to prevent the rupture or perform the endovascular repair where he/she will place metal clips through the catheter to create a blood clot that will prevent the rupture of the blood vessel.
What Are The Long Term Effects Of A Brain Aneurysm?
Physical Challenge: Patients receiving treatment for un-ruptured brain aneurysm require lower attention when compared to that of those who underwent surgery. Patients can experience some unusual physical difficulties in the beginning or after two years. The recovery period depends on the age, gender, race, and other health factors.
Headaches: It is possible for patients of brain aneurysm to experience different levels of headaches. These standards vary from one individual to another depending on the severity of an aneurysm. Patients who had a rupture will suffer from a migraine. It is also possible for the patients to suffer from fear and concern, which over a period deteriorates overall health.
Drowsiness: Exhaustion is common among patients suffering from a brain aneurysm. It is possible for them to experience for a few months or a few years. As the brain requires a prolonged time to heal from an aneurysm, the energy required is enormous and makes the patient feel drowsy and weak. Apart from this, the medications provided by the doctor are also responsible for drowsiness.
Coordination and Balance: It will be difficult for patients who suffered from a brain aneurysm to adjust with coordination and balance. The case is severe for those who underwent surgery because of subarachnoid hemorrhage.
Difficulty in Speaking: Another long-term effect of a brain aneurysm is difficulty in speaking. Although it is common, the level of difficulty depends on the location of the rupture occurred in the brain. Additionally, the rupture can also pose a problem in swallowing.
Back Pain: Back pain occurs because patients of brain aneurysm may be confined to bed for long periods. It usually happens depending on the severity of the condition, and if there is any bleeding after the surgery.
Hair Loss: The medications prescribed by the doctor as part of follow-up for brain aneurysm can cause hair loss.
Constipation: It is another issue that many of the patients suffer from after a brain aneurysm because of lack of mobility and due to the intake of medicines.
Vision Problems: Depending on the location and severity of a brain aneurysm, it is possible for patients to experience double or peripheral vision problems.
- “Brain Aneurysm.” https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/brain-aneurysm/symptoms-causes/syc-20361483
- “Brain Aneurysms: What You Need to Know.” https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/neurology_neurosurgery/centers_clinics/cerebrovascular/conditions/brain_aneurysm.html
- “Brain Aneurysm: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatments.” https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17350-brain-aneurysm
- Healthline. “What You Should Know About Brain Aneurysms.” https://www.healthline.com/health/brain-aneurysm
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