A brain aneurysm can be classified as unruptured or ruptured. Brain aneurysms are potentially life-threatening, especially if they burst.
Healthline describes a brain aneurysm as a weakening in an area of the brain’s arterial wall that causes it to bulge and fill with blood. Brain aneurysms can develop in anyone at any age. Several conditions and lifestyle choices are more likely to cause the development of a brain aneurysm including autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease, Marfan’s syndrome, some traumatic brain injuries, serious systemic infections, family history, smoking, drug abuse, atherosclerosis, and high blood pressure. In addition, women over 40 are at higher risk for developing a brain aneurysm.
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Brain damage or death can occur when a brain aneurysm ruptures.
The Mayo Clinic has identified these nine warning signs of a ruptured brain aneurysm that necessitate immediate medical attention.
1. A sudden and severe headache
2. Nausea and vomiting
3. Stiff neck
4. Blurred or double vision
5. Sensitivity to light
6. Convulsive seizures
7. Drooping eyelid(s)
8. Loss of consciousness
9. Confusion
According to the Brain Aneurysm Foundation, an estimated 50 to 80 percent of brain aneurysms do not rupture. Annually, about 30,000 people suffer from a ruptured brain aneurysm, with approximately 40 percent of cases resulting in death.
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WebMD explains that a brain aneurysm often is unruptured and small enough that a doctor may want to monitor it over time and watch for changes instead of performing surgery. Some unruptured brain aneurysms can cause pressure on the brain and lead to painful or disruptive symptoms such as headaches, blurred vision, neck pain, and speech changes. Some unruptured aneurysms do not cause any symptoms and may be found inadvertently while performing diagnostic testing for another condition. In order to diagnose and treat a brain aneurysm, a doctor may perform a CT scan or MRI.
Treatment for a brain aneurysm depends on the size, location, and severity of the aneurysm, says Healthline. Pain medications are often prescribed to treat head and eye pain. Medication may also be prescribed to prevent blood vessel blockages or to relieve cranial pressure. Surgery may be performed to cut off blood flow to the brain aneurysm or to make repairs but only if the aneurysm is accessible.
Survival and recovery rates increase when people seek immediate help after the rupture of a brain aneurysm.
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