September is Aneurysm Awareness Month

Cerebral Aneurysms and Strokes

A cerebral aneurysm, or brain aneurysm is a weak or thin spot on an artery in the brain. It bulges out and fills with blood. It often looks like a berry hanging on a stem. This can put pressure on areas of the brain. More seriously, it can rupture causing bleeding in the brain.

Most brain aneurysms don’t rupture or even cause symptoms. Such aneurysms are often found during imaging for other conditions.

Risk factors for developing an aneurysm:

· Some cerebral aneurysms are the result of inherited connective tissue disorders that weaken artery walls.

· Arteriovenous malformations or tangles of arteries in the brain may lead to aneurysms.

· A history of aneurysm in a first-degree family member increases your risk of an aneurysm.

Other risk factors develop over time:

• Untreated high blood pressure
• Cigarette smoking
• Drug abuse, especially cocaine or amphetamines

Less common risk factors:

• Head trauma
• Brain tumor
• Infection in the arterial wall

All cerebral aneurysms have the potential to rupture and cause bleeding within the brain. But most don’t rupture.

How are strokes and aneurysms related?

A stroke happens when blood supply to the brain is blocked (ischemic stroke) or when a blood vessel in the brain ruptures (hemorrhage stroke).

An ischemic stroke is the most common type of stroke, accounting for about 87 percent of all strokes. The blockage may be a blood clot or a narrowing of the artery due to plaque buildup.

A hemorrhagic stroke is due to bleeding when an artery ruptures. Blood flow to brain tissue is reduced as blood leaks out through the rupture in the artery.

The most common cause of a hemorrhagic stroke is the bursting of a small artery due to high blood pressure. It can also be caused by a cerebral aneurysm.

Any time blood flow to a part of the brain is disrupted, the event is called a stroke. A ruptured cerebral aneurysm is one cause of a stroke.

A ruptured aneurysm quickly becomes life-threatening and requires prompt medical treatment.

Treatment for an unruptured brain aneurysm may be recommended in some cases and may prevent a rupture in the future. Discuss your options with your medical provider.

Symptoms of a Ruptured aneurysm:

A sudden, severe headache is the key symptom of a ruptured aneurysm. This headache is often described as the “worst headache” of my life. Common symptoms of a ruptured aneurysm include:

· Sudden, extremely severe headache

· Nausea and vomiting

• Stiff neck
• Blurred or double vision
• Sensitivity to light
• Seizure
• A drooping eyelid
• Loss of consciousness
• Confusion

Symptoms of an unruptured aneurysm

An unruptured brain aneurysm may cause no symptoms, especially if it’s small. A larger unruptured aneurysm may press on brain tissues and possibly cause these symptoms:

· Pain above and behind one eye

• A dilated pupil
• Change in vision or double vision
• Numbness of one side of the face

Seek immediate medical attention if you develop a sudden, extremely severe headache. If you’re with someone who complains of a sudden, severe headache or who loses consciousness or has a seizure, call 911 or your local emergency number.