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ANEURYSM

 

An aneurysm is a bulging, weakened area in the wall of a blood vessel resulting in an abnormal widening or ballooning greater than 50% of the vessel's normal diameter (width). An aneurysm may occur in any blood vessel, but is most often seen in an artery.

Among the causes of aneurysms  are: a weakness in the blood vessel wall that is present from birth (congenital aneurysm), high blood pressure (hypertension) over many years resulting in damage and weakening of blood vessels, fatty plaques (atherosclerosis) resulting in a weakness of the blood vessel wall.

Statistics: About 7 million people in the United States have an unruptured brain aneurysm or 1 in 50 people. The annual rate of rupture is approximately 1 in 10000 . About 30,000  Americans suffer a brain aneurysm rupture each year.

The symptoms of a brain aneurysm can vary based on the type. The most common symptom is HEADACHE(S) but may also include a vision changes, numbness of the head, pain above or behind the eyes, and neck pain.

A sudden, severe headache is the key symptom of a ruptured aneurysm. This headache is often described by people as the worst headache they have ever experienced. In addition to a severe headache, symptoms of a ruptured aneurysm may include: Nausea,Vomiting, droopy eyelid and confusion.

Risk Factors:

Age- 30 to 60

Female Sex

Cigarette Smoking

High Bolld Pressure

Street Drugs, especially Cocaine

Alcoholism

Kidney Disease

Heriditary Connective Tissue Disorders

Narrow Aorta

Positive Family History- first degree relatives with Aneurysm(s)

AVM- ArterioVenous Malformation

Diagnostic Testing: CT Scan, Angiography, MRI, Lumbar Puncture/Spinal Tap, etc.,

Treatment: Repairing a ruptured aneurysm requires surgery or endovascular treatment. Endovascular treatment means an aneurysm is treated from inside the artery. One may be given treatments to relieve symptoms. Surgical Clipping is another option. Discuss with the Neurosurgeon/Vascular Specialist whether the risk of leaving the aneurysm alone is greater than the risk of treating the aneurysm.

Medical Treatment for ruptured brain aneurysms is aimed at relieving symptoms and managing complications with Pain Meds, Calcium Channel Blockers, Vasodilators, Angioplasty, Seizure Meds, and Shunt Surgery.

A brain aneurysm rupture is a medical emergency

If you think you are experiencing a ruptured brain aneurysm, CALL 911 immediately and without any delay.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OMcYeVwiEhw

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QgV2no_AHr8

 

 

Author
Paddy Kalish OD, JD and B.Arch

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