Commonly referred to as an intracranial aneurysm or cerebral aneurysm, a brain aneurysm is a bulge that results in abnormal widening of an artery in the brain. Although an aneurysm can happen in any artery in the body, it is known to happen in the brain mostly. Common causes of brain aneurysms include blood infection, regular tobacco smoking, high blood pressure, and it can also be a congenital condition from birth. If the brain aneurysm bursts, it will become a life-threatening condition.
Signs and symptoms
- Severe headaches at frequent intervals
- Blurred vision
- Unconsciousness
- Vomiting or unsettled stomach
- Dizziness
- Drooping eyelids
- Pain in the region surrounding the eyes
- Seizure
- Lack of sensation/weakness
- Photophobia
- Sudden change in mental behavior
Note: these are just a few signs and symptoms provided for informational purposes. Do not attempt self-diagnosis based on this list.
Treatment
Coiling and clipping are two treatment options to repair the blood vessels. In the former process, a surgeon threads a tube, with the help of angiogram, right through the arteries and after identifying the aneurysm, coils of latex or platinum wire is filled to avoid additional blood from flowing into the aneurysm. In the clipping process, the damaged blood vessel is identified and a clip is put across the affected area to prevent the blood from filling the aneurysm and promoting blood leakage.
Northern Neurology Specialties, Dr. Jill Bressler and our Team – Experts You Can Trust for Brain Aneurysm Diagnosis
At Northern Neurology Specialties, Dr. Jill Bressler is a fellowship-trained, subspecialist in vascular neurology with thorough knowledge and experience with brain aneurysms, pre and post-operatively. Due to the urgency of this particular condition, most patients go to their nearest emergency room first. Our team prioritizes appointments and places your case on a fast-track so that diagnostic testing can be received quickly in order to rule out an aneurysm (CT, MRI and MRA angiogram are first-line diagnostic tests in detecting a brain aneurysm). Depending on the results, You may be referred immediately to neurosurgery or receive further diagnostic testing.
Our team is highly committed to providing any potential case a complete diagnosis of a possible brain aneurysm so that an effective, fast-track treatment process can then follow. Call us today to make an appointment if you wish to understand more about brain aneurysm diagnosis and treatment.