A bulge like a berry hanging on a stem in a blood vessel in the brain is known as a brain aneurysm or cerebral (intracranial) aneurysm.
Causes
- Thinning artery walls
- Pressure on weak blood vessels by circulating blood.
Types
- Saccular aneurysm
- Most common
- Round sac filled with blood that protrudes from the main artery
- Usually found in the base of the brain.
2. Fusiform aneurysm
- Cause bulging on all sides of the artery
3. Mycotic aneurysm
- Caused by an infection
- Artery wall gets weak
Symptoms of Ruptured Aneurysm
- Severe headache
- Stiffness in the neck
- Nausea & vomiting
- Blurred vision
- Seizures
- Sensitivity to light
- Loss of consciousness
- Drooping eyelid
- Confusion
Symptoms of Leaking Aneurysm
- Sudden & severe continuous headache that can last up to two weeks.
Symptoms of Unruptured Aneurysm
- Dilation of pupils
- Vision difficulties
- Pain in the eye
- Numbness on one side of the face
Risk factors
- Smoking
- Alcohol consumption
- High BP
- Older age
- Drug usage
- Kidney disorders
- Ehlers-Danlos syndrome
- Coarctation of the aorta
- Family history
Treatment
- Medicine (Nimodipine) to decrease the risk of brain disruption.
Surgical Procedures
There are two procedures. The doctor will decide which one is best for the patient.
- Neurosurgical clipping
- Endovascular coiling
Neurosurgical Clipping
- Done under GA
- An incision is made in the scalp & a small portion of bone is removed to access the brain.
- After locating the aneurysm, a small metal clip is placed to seal it and it will stay permanently there.
- Bone is replaced and stitching is done.
- The clip will prevent the growth & rupturing of the aneurysm.
- If the aneurysm is large or complex, then the artery is clipped instead of the aneurysm.
Endovascular Coiling
- Done under GA.
- A catheter is inserted into the artery in the leg.
- The tube is then guided up to the location of the aneurysm in the head.
- Then small coils are passed into the aneurysm through the tube.
- When the aneurysm is full of coils, the blood cannot enter and it means it is sealed.
Prevention
- Quit smoking
- Avoid alcohol consumption
- Avoid drugs
- Maintain BP levels
Some Facts about Brain Aneurysm Surgery
| Number of days taken for initial investigations | 3 |
| Number of days in ICU | 2 |
| Number of days in Room | 3 |
| Follow up days | 10 |
| Total days required to stay overseas for treatment | 18 |
Role of Parishay Healthcare in planning treatment for brain aneurysm!
After you contact us, a relationship manager is allocated to you who arranges a teleconsultation with an excellent healthcare provider according to your need. After your consent, we move forward with your untroubled travel arrangements, treatment plan, and follow-up care.
For more information visit our website www.parishayafrica.com
