Brain Aneurysm
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| Definition |
An aneurysm is a ballooning of the
walls of a blood vessel. A headache with neck stiffness may be an
early sign of a brain aneurysm. More severe symptoms may indicate
bursting of the aneurysm. A very sudden, severe headache with neck
pain, nausea and vomiting requires the immediate attention of
emergency personnel. Seizures may also develop. While aneurysms can
cause severe headaches, not all severe headaches are the result of
aneurysms.
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| Causes |
Aneurysms occur when the blood
vessel wall becomes weakened by physical injury to the vessel, a
congenital defect (i.e., present since birth), or a disease.
Hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis) is a common cause of
aneurysms.
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| Treatment |
Special X-rays are required for the
diagnosis. These include a brain CT scan or brain arteriogram.
During a brain arteriogram, a special type of dye is injected into
the brain arteries. This dye is brightly displayed on the X-ray and
outlines blood vessels and aneurysms. Care focuses on treating the
cause of the aneurysm and repairing the blood vessel. This often
means controlling the blood pressure to prevent unnecessary stress
on the aneurysm, followed by surgery to repair the vessel. If the
vessel bursts, care focuses on preventing further bleeding. Surgery
may be required to remove the blood clot and to clip the aneurysm to
prevent further bleeding.
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| Comments |
Many people die from a brain
aneurysm. The patient bleeds into the brain and a stroke occurs. The
patient may pass out and/or become paralyzed on one or both sides of
their body. Death may be prevented if early treatment is provided.
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| Related
Links |
National Institute of Neurologic Disorders and Stroke
The National Institute of Neurologic Disorders and Stroke website
provides extensive information about brain aneurysm.
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ICU Medical Conditions 
