Treatment of Brain Aneurysms

A brain aneurysm, also known as cerebral artery aneurysm, is a serious condition that requires immediate medical attention. An aneurysm can cause intracranial hemorrhage, leading to serious and potentially life-threatening complications. In this article, you will learn about the symptoms and causes of this condition, as well as the protocols used to treat brain aneurysms at Al Hayat Center for Interventional Radiology and Neurointervention.

The symptoms of a brain aneurysm vary depending on the size and location of the aneurysm. Some people may not experience any symptoms until the aneurysm ruptures or bursts due to its dilation. However, when it bursts, it causes bleeding within the skull, leading to a range of symptoms that vary in severity depending on the size and location of the aneurysm and the amount of bleeding.

- Recurrent head pain: These pains may be mild or severe.

- Vision changes: This may include double vision or eye floaters.

- Sudden severe headaches: This is the most prominent symptom and is sometimes described as the worst headache a person can experience.

- Nausea and vomiting: May accompany a severe headache.

- Blurred vision: The patient experiences visual disturbances that may include double vision, blurry vision, spots, or flashes of light.

- Sensitivity to light and sound: Pain may increase when exposed to light or loud noises.

- Neck stiffness: You may find it difficult to move your head.

- Weakness or paralysis: Weakness, numbness on one side of the body, or paralysis may occur.

- Difficulty speaking or understanding: The person may have difficulty expressing their thoughts or understanding speech.

- Confusion and drowsiness: The person may feel disorientated or very sleepy.

- Dizziness or loss of balance.

- Loss of consciousness: In severe cases, the person may lose consciousness.

If you experience any of the above symptoms, especially sudden and severe headaches, you should seek medical help immediately. Every minute counts in the case of a burst aneurysm, as quick treatment can be crucial to save your life.

Possible causes of brain aneurysms include:

- Genetic factors: Genetic factors can be influential in the development of an aneurysm.

- High blood pressure: It can put extra pressure on the walls of your blood vessels, increasing the risk of aneurysms.

- Smoking: Increases the risk of blood vessel damage.

- Age and gender: The aneurysm often occurs in people over the age of 40 and is more common in women.

- Certain medical conditions: Such as connective tissue diseases and kidney disorders.

Treatment for a brain aneurysm depends on the size and location of the aneurysm and the patient's overall health condition. Treatment includes the following options:

- Periodic monitoring: If the aneurysms are small and do not cause symptoms, your doctor may recommend periodic monitoring with radiological imaging.

- Treatment with medications: Your doctor may prescribe medications to control blood pressure, prevent clotting, reduce pressure on blood vessel walls, and prevent aneurysms from growing.

- Surgical procedures: If the aneurysm is large or poses a high risk of bursting, the doctor may recommend a surgical procedure to block or remove the bulge, which can be performed in two ways:

Open surgery: The skull is opened to access the aneurysm, and a metal clip is placed around the base of the aneurysm to stop the blood flow.

Interventional radiology: A catheter is inserted through the artery and followed by interventional imaging until it reaches the aneurysm. The aneurysm is filled with small metal coils to stimulate blood clotting within the aneurysm and prevent it from rupturing.

- Rehabilitation and physiotherapy: After surgical treatment or interventional radiology, the patient may need physiotherapy to improve body functions and regain the ability to perform daily activities.

A brain aneurysm requires urgent intervention to prevent potentially fatal intracranial hemorrhage. Interventional radiology is one of the most modern and effective ways to treat this condition, offering a less invasive alternative to traditional surgery.

- Coiling: Neurointerventional Coiling is one of the most common methods of treating brain aneurysms using interventional radiology. It involves the following steps:

1. Catheter insertion: The doctor begins by inserting a tiny catheter through the femoral artery in the groin, guiding the catheter through the blood vessels to the aneurysm in the brain.

2. Coil Guidance: Once the catheter reaches the aneurysm, small metal coils are inserted into the aneurysm.

3. Stimulate clotting: Coils stimulate the formation of a clot within the bulge, helping to stop blood flow to the bulge and prevent it from rupturing.

Flow diversion stents are used in some complex cases or for large aneurysms. This method includes the following steps:

1. Stent insertion: A covered stent is inserted through the catheter into the bulging site.

2. Diversion of blood flow: The stent diverts blood flow away from the aneurysm, which reduces pressure on it and helps minimize the risk of rupture.

- Less invasive: These procedures do not require opening the skull, minimizing the risks associated with traditional surgery.

- Faster recovery time: Patients typically return to their daily lives more quickly than with traditional surgery.

- High precision: Radiological imaging techniques allow instruments to be guided with high precision, maximizing the effectiveness of treatment.

There is no surefire way to prevent an aneurysm, but there are some controllable factors that may help minimize the risk of injury, such as:

- Control blood pressure: Maintain a healthy blood pressure.

- Cholesterol control: Keep cholesterol levels within normal limits.

- Quit smoking: Smoking increases the risk of aneurysms.

- Maintain a healthy weight: Being overweight increases the risk of cardiovascular disease.

A brain aneurysm is a serious condition that requires urgent intervention, and interventional radiology is one of the most effective and minimally invasive ways to treat this condition. Thanks to precise radiological imaging techniques, medical instruments can be precisely guided to treat the aneurysm and prevent it from rupturing. Patients should consult specialized doctors and choose reliable medical centers to ensure receiving the best possible care.