Raveesh Sunkara
What Are Brain Aneurysms
Updated: Feb 11

What Are Brain Aneurysms? A bulging or ballooning in a blood vessel in the brain is known as a brain aneurysm. It resembles a fruit on a stem in appearance. A brain aneurysm can rupture or leak, resulting in brain haemorrhage (hemorrhagic stroke). The most common location for a ruptured brain aneurysm is the area between the brain and the thin tissues that cover it. A subarachnoid haemorrhage is a form of hemorrhagic stroke. A ruptured aneurysm can soon become life-threatening, necessitating immediate medical attention.
The majority of brain aneurysms, on the other hand, do not burst, cause health problems, or cause symptoms. Aneurysms of this type are frequently discovered during examinations for other disorders. In some circumstances, treatment for an unruptured brain aneurysm is warranted and may prevent a rupture in the future. Consult your caregiver to make sure you're aware of the best solutions for your individual need. Brain aneurysm can be broadly classified into three categories : 1. Ruptured Aneurysm: A ruptured aneurysm is characterised by a sudden, intense headache. This headache is frequently referred to as the "worst headache" ever. Sudden, excruciating headache, nausea and vomiting, stiff neck, blurred or double vision, light sensitivity, seizure are all common indications and symptoms of a ruptured aneurysm. A drooping eyelid, loss of awareness, and confusion are all symptoms of a drooping eyelid. 2. Leaking Aneurysm: AIn some cases, an aneurysm may leak a slight amount of blood. This leaking (sentinel bleed) may cause only a: Sudden, extremely severe headache. A more severe rupture often follows leaking. 3. Unruptured Aneurysm: If the aneurysm is tiny, an unruptured brain aneurysm may not cause any symptoms. A larger, unruptured aneurysm, on the other hand, may strain on brain structures and nerves, causing: Pain above and behind one eye, A pupil that is dilated, Numbness on one side of the face and a change in vision or double vision.
When to see a doctor? If you have a: Sudden, excruciatingly intense headache, seek medical help right away. Call your local emergency number if you're with someone who has a sudden, severe headache, loses consciousness, or has a seizure. Aneurysms in the brain are caused by weakening arterial walls. Because certain parts of the vessel are weaker, aneurysms frequently occur at forks or branches in arteries. Aneurysms can occur anywhere in the brain, but they are most common in the arteries at the base. Causes: Although the exact aetiology of a brain aneurysm is unknown, a number of factors can increase your risk. A variety of events can cause artery wall weakening, increasing the risk of a brain aneurysm or aneurysm rupture. Adults are more likely than children to have a brain aneurysm, and women are more likely than males to have one. Some risk factors emerge over time, while others are present from birth. Older age, cigarette smoking, high blood pressure (hypertension), drug misuse, particularly cocaine usage, and heavy alcohol consumption are all risk factors that build over time. Some types of aneurysms may occur after a head injury (dissecting aneurysm) or from certain blood infections (mycotic aneurysm). Risk factors present at birth: • Ehlers-Danlos syndrome is an inherited connective tissue illness that causes blood vessels to weaken. • Polycystic kidney disease is a hereditary condition that causes fluid-filled sacs in the kidneys and typically raises blood pressure. • An improper link between arteries and veins in the brain, known as a cerebral arteriovenous malformation (brain AVM), disrupts the normal flow of blood between them. • A first-degree relative, such as a parent, brother, sister, or kid, has a family history of a brain aneurysm. Complications that can develop after the rupture of an aneurysm include: • Re-bleeding. An aneurysm that has ruptured or spilled has the potential to bleed again. Rebleeding can result in further brain cell damage.
• Vasospasm. Blood arteries in your brain may narrow erratically after a brain aneurysm ruptures (vasospasm). Ischemic stroke occurs when blood supply to brain cells is restricted, resulting in further cell damage and loss.
• Hydrocephalus. When an aneurysm ruptures and blood leaks into the gap between the brain and surrounding tissue (subarachnoid haemorrhage), the blood can obstruct the flow of the fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord (cerebrospinal fluid). An overabundance of cerebrospinal fluid can result in an increase in pressure on the brain, causing tissue damage (hydrocephalus). • Hyponatremia. A ruptured brain aneurysm can cause a subarachnoid haemorrhage, which can upset the salt balance in the blood. Damage to the hypothalamus, a region near the base of the brain, could cause this. Hyponatremia, or a decline in blood salt levels, can cause brain cell enlargement and lasting damage Dr. Raveesh Sunkara has 10 years of experience in the field of Neurosurgery and uses an approach that combines expertise, compassion, and cutting-edge technology in order to treat his patients who suffer from disorders of the brain and spine. He has treated many cases of both ruptured and unruptured aneurysms with a successful record and innumerable happy patients. He strongly believes that every patient deserves the best care possible and the form of care that he offers is extremely comprehensive in nature. He along with his team offers both open and endovascular options for treating such aneurysms. Sometimes choosing between both options is the most important step for successful treatment and Dr. Raveesh can help you make the right choice. He has incredible medical experience of working at renowned institutions and some noteworthy presentations are attached to his name.
