Warning Signs of a Brain Aneurysm
May 03, 2021 | Farah Jassawalla

Warning Signs of a Brain Aneurysm

Brain Aneurysm:

Brain Aneurysm is also known as cerebral aneurysm or berry. It occurs in the arteries of the brain in the Circle of Willis. It happens when there is a weak spot in the arteries, where the skin is particularly thin. The blood flowing through the arteries puts pressure on this weak spot and causes it to balloon up in a berry-like shape. The sack of brain aneurysm is filled with blood and its walls keep on thinning with time.

The size of brain aneurysms can range from 1/8 of an inch to 1 inch. Brain aneurysms if small and unruptured go undetected and cause no problems. But over time these usually grow large and get ruptured due to thinning of its wall.

Consequences of Having A Ruptured Brain Aneurysm:

When a brain aneurysm sac ruptures it erupts high-pressure blood in the space between the skull and the brain tissue. This blood presses on the brain tissues and can cause serious brain damage and injury to brain cells. The chemicals in the spilled blood can irritate the other blood arteries and can cause them to narrow. This can result in swelling of the brain.

The release of blood by a ruptured artery in the space between skull and brain tissue is subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). This hemorrhage can cause stroke, coma, and even death.

The Warning Signs of Ruptured Aneurysm:

Aneurysms largely remain undetected unless they are ruptured. A ruptured aneurysm is very dangerous and must be subjected to medical attention at once. Here are a few of the signs that are clear symptoms of a ruptured berry:

      A sudden and sharp pain like electricity in your brain that occurred out of nowhere. This is also termed as one of the worst pains. 

      A constant stiffness of your neck and neck muscles.

      Intense feelings of nausea and vomiting.

      Bad eyesight and blurred vision. Seeing things twice or double vision.

      Sensitivity to brightness and light.

      Seizure and stroke.

      A drooping eyelid

      Confusion and loss of consciousness

These are all signs of a ruptured aneurysm and if one feels three or more of these suddenly, he should immediately seek medical attention as delay can lead to death.

The Warning Signs of an Enlarged Aneurysm:

An aneurysm is not only dangerous when it's ruptured but also when it's enlarged. An enlarged aneurysm can put pressure on the brain cells causing brain damage and other problems. Some of the warning signs of an enlarged aneurysm are following:

       A sensation of constant pain behind or above one eye.

      A headache, that can range from mild to severe.

      Dilated pupil and blurred vision.

      Dizziness and seizures.

These signs should also not be ignored, and medical attention must be sought.

Diagnosis:

Brain Aneurysms are hard to diagnose without apparent symptoms, but usually, doctors encourage people with a family history of brain aneurysms to take some tests to diagnose and identify any potential cerebral aneurysms.

Usually, doctors use CT scans and MRIs to diagnose an aneurysm in the brain. Both Ct scan and MRI take pictures of your brain and arteries. CT scans even provide 3D imagery of your brain on computers making it easier for doctors to diagnose an aneurysm. CT scanner can also detect any minor blood spill due to a ruptured aneurysm; therefore, it is preferred by doctors. For detailed information in case of any symptoms, book your online appointment with Shifa4U right now.

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Farah Jassawalla

Farah Jassawalla is a graduate of the Lahore School of Economics. She is also a writer, and healthcare enthusiast, having closely observed case studies while working with Lahore's thriving general physicians at their clinics.