Brain Aneurysms: More Than Just a Headache

An aneurysm a ballooning or bulging out of an artery where the wall is weak can wreak havoc if it bursts. When aneurysms rupture in the brain, the resulting hemorrhage can cause stroke, coma, brain damage or other serious problems.

In fact, approximately forty percent of ruptured brain aneurysms are fatal and only twenty percent of patients survive with no permanent damage. There is no clear reason why a brain aneurysm forms, but there are many things that can contribute to its development. Things such as smoking, hypertension, family history, traumatic head injury and other disorders may increase a persons risk of developing an aneurysm.

A ruptured aneurysm is a serious health risk that should be attended to immediately. Along with a severe headache, other symptoms can be; neck stiffness, drowsiness, nausea, mental confusion, dizziness, and vomiting. The most severe consequence of brain aneurysm rupture is the tear that allows blood into the space surrounding the brain, causing stroke called a subarachnoid hemorrhage.

Ten to 20 percent of those who have a subarachnoid hemorrhage will die before getting to a hospital. Of those who survive, approximately thirty percent will have moderate to severe disabilities. Though not all brain aneurysms rupture, it is difficult to predict whether or when a rupture may occur.

Treatment options for brain aneurysms are determined by the size, shape, and location of the aneurysm in addition to the patients age and overall health. There are two main surgical options for a patient with a brain aneurysm.

First is open surgery performed through a surgical opening in the skull. Using an operating microscope and tiny instruments, the surgeon attaches a small metal clip at the base of the aneurysm. Because blood is prevented from flowing into the aneurysm, the chances of it rupturing are greatly reduced. Recovery time typically is four to six weeks.

The second and preferred option is endovascular surgery (meaning surgery from within the blood vessel). This procedure is performed through a catheter (a hollow, flexible tube) delivered from the groin to the blood vessels in the brain. Thin platinum wires are pushed into the aneurysm, where they conform to the wall of the aneurysm forming a coil mass. Since blood clots within the coil mass, the chances of a rupture are greatly reduced. Recovery time is only one to three days.

The risk of suffering a brain aneurysm can be reduced through a series of lifestyle changes that include not smoking, exercising regularly, eating a balanced, low fat diet, getting help for alcohol and/or drug abuse, and controlling high blood pressure.

Experienced specialists at Cleveland Clinic Florida offer the latest techniques and newest devices to give patients with aneurysms the best chance for a full recovery.

For a consultation call 800-639-DOCTOR, or visit clevelandclinicflorida.org for more information.

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Brain Aneurysms: More Than Just a Headache