Treatment for Brain Aneurysm - Headache

Brain Aneurysm

The bulging of a blood vessel in the brain is known as brain aneurysm. Sometimes it would look like a berry hanging on the stem. These brain aneurysms can rupture or leak. These would lead to hemorrhagic stroke in the brain. These ruptured brain aneurysms are the most common in the space between the brain and the thin tissues that cover it. These types of hemorrhagic strokes are called subarachnoid hemorrhage. A ruptured aneurysm could quickly bulge and reach a condition where it can threaten life. Prompt medical treatments are needed in this case.

Most of the brain aneurysms would not rupture and would result in health issues. They can be detected through the tests or other instances. Sometimes, these brain aneurysms might call for treatments to prevent a rupture in the future. It is important to talk to the doctor to understand what could be the best possible options in your case.

What are the causes of Brain aneurysm?

No cause for brain aneurysm has yet been identified. The brain aneurysms develop through the thinning artery walls. The aneurysms are generally formed at the branching of the arteries because these parts are weaker. Although they can happen anywhere, they are much more common at the base of the brain. However, there are some risk factors that might lead to it.

What are the risk factors?

These brain aneurysms are much more common in adults than in children. Also, there are more common in women than in men. Some of the risk factors might develop over time while others are present at birth. The ones that develop over time include:

• smoking cigarettes

• older age

• hypertension or high blood pressure

• abuse of drugs, generally cocaine

• heavy consumption of alcohol

Some of the types of aneurysms might even form after blood infections (mycotic aneurysm) or head injuries (dissecting aneurysms).

The risk factors that are present at birth would include:

• polycystic kidney disease - This disorder is inherited and would result in sacks filled with fluids in the kidneys. This results in higher blood pressure

• inherited connective tissue disorders - It includes Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, which would include the blood vessels

• cerebral arteriovenous malformation - This is an abnormal connection between the veins and the arteries in the brain that interrupts the normal flow of blood between them

• abnormally narrow aorta

• family history of brain aneurysms - If a first-degree relative like parents, siblings or children has such problems

What are the symptoms of the disorder?

The symptoms would depend on the state of an aneurysm.

Ruptured Aneurysm

The key symptoms would be a sudden and severe headache. This is sometimes described as the 'worst headache' at times. The common signs would include:

• nausea and vomiting

• a stiff neck

• a drooping eyelid

• confusion

• loss of consciousness

• double or blurred vision

• seizure

• a sensitiveness to light

Leaking aneurysm

Sometimes, a slight amount of blood might leak from an aneurysm. The leaking or sentinel bleeding would cause only a severe headache. A severe rupture generally follows a headache.

Unharmed aneurysms

The brain aneurysms that have not ruptured do not produce any symptom, generally if it is small. However, a larger one might press on the brain nerves and tissues and cause:

• a dilated pupil

• numbness on one side of the face

• a change in vision or blurred vision

• pain above or behind the eyes

When is it time to visit the doctor?

It is essential to seek immediate medical attention if there is a sudden and extreme headache.