Cerebral Aneurysm (Brain aneurysm)

 Overview

A cerebral (brain) aneurysm is the dilation bulging or ballooning out of part of the wall of a vein or artery in the brain. It is estimated that 3 to 5 per cent of the adult population has or will have a brain aneurysm. Cerebral aneurysms can occur at any age although they are more common in people 35-60 years of age. They occur slightly more often in women than in men. Aneurysms can rupture and bleed into the brain causing a stroke or even death.

Symptoms

The signs and symptoms of a cerebral aneurysm that has not ruptured will partly depend on its size and rate of growth. For example a small unchanging aneurysm will generally produce no symptoms whereas a larger aneurysm that is steadily growing may produce symptoms such as loss of feeling in the face or problems with the eyes. Immediately before an aneurysm ruptures a person may experience such symptoms as:

  • a sudden and unusually severe headache
  • nausea
  • vision impairment
  • vomiting
  • loss of consciousness

The rupture of an aneurysm is considered a medical emergency. If you experience any of the above signs you must seek immediate medical assistance.

Causes

The causes of aneurysm aren't fully understood. Risk factors include:

  • Family history of brain aneurysms
  • Smoking
  • Hypertension
  • Atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries)
  • Excessive use of alcohol
  • Use of cocaine
  • Head injury
  • Some inherited genetic disorders such as Marfan's syndrome and polycystic kidney disorder
  • Infections of the heart or brain

Despite this relatively long list aneurysms can occur in people with no known risk factors.

Treatment

Emergency treatment for people with a ruptured cerebral aneurysm generally includes imaging with a CT scanner or MRI restoring deteriorating respiration and reducing brain pressure. Surgery is usually performed within the first 3 days to "clip" the ruptured aneurysm and to reduce the risk of it bleeding again.

When aneurysms are discovered before rupture occurs "embolization" may be performed on patients for whom surgery is considered too risky. A thin hollow tube is inserted through an artery (usually in the groin or wrist) up to the brain. Once it reaches the aneurysm tiny balloons or coils are used to block blood flow through the aneurysm. With no blood flowing into the aneurysm it is no longer at risk of leaking or rupturing.

Prevention

There is no known way to prevent the formation of a cerebral aneurysm. However to reduce your risk of an aneurysm rupture:

  • Stop smoking
  • Control your blood pressure
  • Avoid any medications and natural or herbal products that "thin" the blood

Additional Resources:

Heart And Stroke Foundation