It is not possible for a brain aneurysm to cause any symptoms unless there is a rupture. However, in case of an unruptured aneurysm, with the size is large, individuals can feel pain due to the occasional pressing of the bulge of the artery of the blood vessel against the tissues or nerves present in the brain.
The following are the symptoms noticed by patients who are suffering from an unruptured brain aneurysm:
- Visual disturbances
- Numbness to one side of the body
- Difficulty in speaking
- Sensitivity towards light
- Severe headaches
- Loss of balance
- Short-term memory loss and difficulty in concentrating.
If any individual senses the above mentioned symptoms, it is preferable to see a general physician immediately. Depending on this, the doctor will carry out tests such as MRI scan, CT scan and blood test to confirm the presence of an unruptured brain aneurysm. As stated earlier, if the size of the aneurysm is small, the chances of rupture is low. Nonetheless, seeking medical attention will be helpful in obtaining the right treatment at the right time that will help in prevention of a rupture.
Brain Aneurysms
If there is a presence of a blood vessel or an artery with a weak wall, the high blood pressure that passes through them causes a bulge like a balloon. The balloon process to the nerves in the brain causing pain and the symptoms as explained above. In extreme situations, the balloon explodes in the blood from the artery of the blood vessel enters the space between the brain and the skull. Such a situation leads to a severe condition and permanent damage to the brain. Although an aneurysm can occur on any part of the body, commonly occurring areas are the brain and the abdominal aorta.
The medical term for a brain aneurysm is a cerebral aneurysm or an intracranial aneurysm. It is not possible for a general physician to identify the presence of an unruptured brain aneurysm because it does not show any symptoms. Identification of the symptoms is only possible when there is a rupture. The rupture causes a severe medical condition known as subarachnoid hemorrhage.
Due to the subarachnoid hemorrhage, an individual suffers from:
- An agonizing headache
- Stiff neck
- Vomiting
- Sickness
- Pain in the back of the eyes.
At least three people in five with brain aneurysm may suffer from a subarachnoid hemorrhage. People who survive the situation suffer from disabilities and severe brain damage.
Treatment
If a general physician identifies a brain aneurysm before a rupture, it is possible to cure the same using non-invasive treatments. However, the doctor will consider several factors such as the age of the patient, health condition, race, gender, and other factors such as smoking habits and high blood pressure to arrive at a concrete decision. In some situations, most of the doctors keep the patients under the observation before proceeding towards a treatment.
If there is a need for treatment, the doctor will perform the surgery that will help in sealing the balloon with a metal coil or a metal clip.
When the patient is in observation mode, the doctor will instruct a strict diet that will help in reduction of blood pressure and also asks too quit smoking. There will be a frequent follow-up to ensure that there is an improvement in the health of the blood vessels. Such techniques will ensure that there is no elevation in a brain aneurysm that helps in preventing the occurrence of a rupture.
Also Read:
- Detecting Brain Aneurysm: What Does It Feel Like When You Have A Brain Aneurysm?
- How Long Can You Have A Brain Aneurysm?
- Is Brain Aneurysm Surgery Dangerous?
- What Happens After A Brain Aneurysm Ruptures?
- How Long Can You Live With A Brain Aneurysm?
- Do Brain Aneurysm Show Up in CT Scan?
- Can A Brain Aneurysm Kill You?
