Brain Aneurism - Symptom, Causes, Treatment

A brain aneurysm, also called a cerebral or intracranial aneurysm, is an abnormal bulging outward of one of the arteries in the brain. An aneurysm may go undetected indefinitely and produce no signs or symptoms. Aneurysms may result from congenital defects, preexisting conditions such as high blood pressure and atherosclerosis (the buildup of fatty deposits in the arteries), or head trauma. Brain aneurysms are often discovered when they rupture, causing bleeding into the brain or the space closely surrounding the brain called the subarachnoid space, causing a subarachnoid hemorrhage. Cerebral aneurysms occur more commonly in adults than in children but they may occur at any age. They are slightly more common in women than in men. The bulging aneurysm can put pressure on a nerve or surrounding brain tissue.  It may also leak or rupture, spilling blood into the surrounding tissue (called a hemorrhage). The signs and symptoms of an unruptured cerebral aneurysm 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. Cerebral aneurysms can occur anywhere in the brain, but most are located along a loop of arteries that run between the underside of the brain and the base of the skull.

Aneurysms in the brain can cause impaired vision and headaches. The larger an aneurysm becomes, the more likely it is to burst. Brain aneurysms are also more common in people with certain genetic diseases, such as connective tissue disorders and polycystic kidney disease, and certain circulatory disorders, such as arteriovenous malformations. Aneurysms that result from an infection in the arterial wall are called mycotic aneurysms. Cancer-related aneurysms are often associated with primary or metastatic tumors of the head and neck. People with a family history of brain aneurysms are twice as likely to have an aneurysm as those who don't. Common warning signs include an enlarged pupil in one eye, a drooping eyelid, or pain above or behind the eye. If an aneurysm has not ruptured, it may be left untreated. A drug known as nimodipine is often used for this purpose. There are no known methods for preventing the formation of an aneurysm. If an aneurysm is discovered before it ruptures, it may be removed surgically.

Causes of Brain Aneurism

The main causes of Brain Aneurism:

• Aneurysms in the brain occur when there is a weakened area in the wall of a blood vessel.
• Smoking.
• Use of stimulant drugs and medications.
• Certain activities, such as lifting heavy weights, and some health conditions.
• A family history of cerebral aneurysms.
• Previous aneurysm.

Signs and symptoms of Brain Aneurism

Signs and symptoms often experienced with Brain Aneurism are:

• Pain above and behind the eye.
• Numbness and weakness.
• Vision changes. 
• A sudden and extremely severe headache.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Sensitivity to light.
• Seizure.
• Loss of consciousness.

Treatment of Brain Aneurism

Some most common treatmet of Brain Aneurism:

• Brain aneurysms are generally treated surgically.
• Antiseizure medications may prevent seizures that frequently accompany ruptured aneurysms.
• Glucocorticoids, anti-inflammatory steroids, occasionally used to help control swelling in the brain, remain controversial because no proven benefit has been shown.
• Once the aneurysm is repaired, prevention of stroke due to blood vessel spasm may be necessary. This may include intravenous fluids, certain medications, and actually letting one's blood pressure run high.

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