Cerebral aneurysm: what it is, symptoms and treatment

O brain aneurysm arises when an aneurysm forms in an intracranial artery. Aneurysms are dilations in arteries and can occur in different parts of the body. Brain aneurysms are potentially dangerous, as they can rupture and trigger, for example, a cerebrovascular accident (CVA) of the hemorrhagic type.

Read too: Difference between vein, artery and capillary

What is a brain aneurysm?

Brain aneurysms are characterized as a abnormal dilation of any intracranial artery. They can have different morphologies, the most common being saccular and fusiform, the former being more frequently observed. in aneurysms saccular, there is the formation of a kind of sac, and the presence of a neck in them facilitates surgical techniques, such as clipping and embolization. US spindle-shaped, the treatment becomes more complicated, since they present a circumferential dilation and do not have a cervix.

Cerebral aneurysm occurs more in the form of saccular aneurysm.
Cerebral aneurysm occurs more in the form of saccular aneurysm.

At causes of a brain aneurysm are varied and can occur, for example, as a consequence of trauma, atherosclerotic disease and

infections. It occurs more frequently in individuals aged between 35 and 60 years, being rare in children.

Among the risk factors for the development of the problem, we can highlight: advanced age, family history of cerebral aneurysm, high pressure, cigarette use, excessive use of alcohol, consumption of drugs illicit drugs, polycystic kidney disease and dyslipidemia (high levels of lipids at the blood).

Many people have brain aneurysms during their lifetime, but they don't always rupture. A ruptured brain aneurysm is serious and must be treated quickly.

Symptoms of a Brain Aneurysm

the brain aneurysm does not usually cause symptoms, however, it can grow and compress some region of the brain, which can cause symptoms such as difficulty speaking or dizziness. Most of the time, however, symptoms arise as a result of the breakup of the aneurysm, being a warning sign and the need for immediate medical help.

O main symptom of an aneurysm rupture is the headache very strong and that starts suddenly. This headache, described by many as the worst possible, may be accompanied by other symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, loss of consciousness, fainting and even the with the. Convulsions, paralysis on one side of the body, changes in visual ability are also symptoms that can be observed.

It is important to highlight that, in the presence of symptoms that suggest the rupture of an aneurysm, one should look for medical care quickly. According to the Brazilian Society of Neurosurgery, 15% of patients die even before receiving medical care and about four out of seven patients will develop some type of neurological dysfunction.

Know more: Aortic aneurysm - abnormal artery dilation

Difference between aneurysm and stroke

Aneurysm and cerebrovascular accident (CVA), also called cerebrovascular accident (CVA), are two distinct conditions and very confused. O stroke it happens when an area of ​​the brain has an interrupted blood supply. He can be ischemic, when an artery is clogged, or hemorrhagic, when a blood vessel ruptures and causes intracranial hemorrhage.

One of the main causes of hemorrhagic stroke is cerebral aneurysms, which are abnormal dilations of intracranial arteries that can rupture and cause hemorrhages. If you want to know more about this type of interruption in blood flow, read: stroke.

Diagnosis of brain aneurysm

In order to diagnose a brain aneurysm, the patient must undergo exams. The main tests performed to discover this problem are the angioresonance and the CT angiography, which allow you to check the blood vessels in the brain.

The rupture of an aneurysm can have serious consequences.
The rupture of an aneurysm can have serious consequences.

Cerebral Aneurysm Treatment

After discovering a brain aneurysm, the doctor will evaluate the best treatment to be followed. When the aneurysm is small, it is recommended only the follow-up of the case. Healthier lifestyle habits should be adopted by this patient. When the aneurysm is bigger and, consequently, it presents greater chances of rupture, surgical intervention must be performed.

Two techniques can be used to treat a brain aneurysm: aneurysm embolization or clipping. See more about each technique below:

  • Cerebral aneurysm embolization or endovascular treatment: a microcatheter is introduced into the patient until reaching the aneurysm region. This microcatheter is usually introduced through the femoral artery. Upon reaching the aneurysm, a material (usually platinum springs) is inserted that obstructs the site and impedes blood flow in the region of the aneurysm, thus reducing the chance of rupture.

  • Clipping the brain aneurysm: a small region of the skull is opened. The artery with the aneurysm is then identified and a clip is placed that closes the region and prevents blood flow at the site.

How to prevent a brain aneurysm

Brain aneurysms have some risk factors that can be avoided, controlled or treated. So, to prevent ourselves, we must try to drive them away. Here are some tips:

  • Quit smoking;

  • Do not use illegal drugs;

  • Reduce alcohol consumption;

  • control the cholesterol and blood glucose;

  • Controlling blood pressure;

  • Practice physical activities;

  • control the food, adding healthy foods to the diet.

By Vanessa Sardinha dos Santos
Biology teacher

Source: Brazil School - https://brasilescola.uol.com.br/doencas/aneurisma-cerebral.htm

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