Cerebral aneurysm is potentially considered the most fatal disease of all since its symptoms are barely present. Patients become aware of the disease once it gets severe. Without proper treatment in time, it can cause paralysis.
Cause of Cerebral aneurysm
It is believed that blood flow, accompanied by changes in artery walls in the brain, causes aneurysms and may cause rupture if not treated properly. Aneurysm ruptures can be life-threatening since large red blood vessels are associated with deadly bleeding. Ruptured aneurysms result in sudden death in about 50% of cases. Others survive since the mechanism of blood vessel contraction combined with blood clotting can temporarily stop the bleeding. However, aneurysms will leak at a later time. During each rupture, half of the patients will pass away. Hence, they must be treated quickly before it is too late.
How to verify cerebral aneurysm
As mentioned above, symptoms of an early stage of cerebral aneurysm are not noticeable, but a patient will be aware of the disease once there is an aneurysm or aneurysm nearly ruptures. Therefore, until then you may experience vomiting or a sudden headache, especially around the occipital bone and nape as if they are hit by a hard object. Some people lose consciousness or experience a coma.
Cerebral aneurysm diagnosis
Based on acute symptoms and physical examination showing a sniff neck area, a doctor will perform a preliminary diagnosis of this disease with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Subarachnoid hemorrhage that has spread throughout the brain, which is a unique characteristic of this disease, will be revealed. In addition, cerebral angiography will be operated in groin area is also another beneficial diagnosis that helps confirm the results. After injecting the opaque substance, the doctor will inspect various blood vessels, as well as aneurysms and signs of rupture or abnormality, in the brain via X-ray. When you experience an aneurysm, see a doctor as soon as possible to receive proper treatment.
There are many treatments of cerebral aneurysm, depending on a doctor’s consideration as follows.
- Surgery: The neurosurgeon will examine the brain blood vessels and then perform surgery to reach aneurysm. Then he/she will use a clamp to clip the aneurysm to prevent further ruptures. This type of surgery requires a microscope to provide larger image of the aneurysm area, which is located deep from brain surface and difficult to see. Therefore, clamping must be performed very carefully. Otherwise, cerebral ischemia and cerebral edema will follow. In addition, repeated rupture of the aneurysm during surgery will result in postoperative complications.
- Vascular fluorescence during surgery, which is operated through a special surgical camera, makes the surgery more efficient. Conceptually, Indocyanine Green (ICG), which is substance with fluorescence property that is not visible with a naked eye, is injected into bloodstream and can only be seen via a near infrared camera. This equipment is used to evaluate the use of clipping. No fluorescence substance in the aneurysm means the clipping is properly done.
- Coiling is another treatment option, in which a catheter (a thin, flexible tube) is inserted into an artery (similar to cerebral angiography) to reach the aneurysm site. The larger the site is, the more catheters are required. They help promote blood clotting and reduce the risk of aneurysm rupture. This method should be performed as indicated by other related factors.
Surgery results of cerebral aneurysm
Surgery results usually depend on a patient’s condition. For example, a surgery result of a patient who has a headache but is still conscious is often better than that of another patient who is unconscious before the surgery.
Another postoperative symptom is ischemic stroke. It usually occurs on the 5th-9th day after the aneurysm ruptures. It is caused by a reaction of substances in the blood causing a subsequent stroke. The symptom severity varies across individuals. Nowadays, there are vasodilator drugs that can help reduce stroke severity. In some severe cases, cerebral edema can occur and it is fatal.
Some patients may experience hydrocephalus because after a blood vessel breaks, some blood clots may block the flow of cerebral fluid. This increases pressure in the brain, which is dangerous to patients. It is therefore necessary to undergo surgery to implant a device and tube to help drain the fluid and reduce such pressure.
After treatment, many patients can return to their normal life, especially those with mild symptoms. However, for other patients who are in serious condition, the recovery time will be longer. Patients may not be fully recovered in some cases; they must continue to be rehabilitated by physical therapy.
The best way to detect a cerebral aneurysm is to monitor yourself regularly and receive an annual health examination. Start by taking good care of yourself, such as not eating salty, high-fat food, refrain from smoking and various drugs if you have a headache.
As mentioned above, please see a specialist doctor immediately to receive treatment before it is too late.
If you start experiencing these symptoms, see a doctor as soon as possible. Call 1772 for an emergency ambulance available 24 hours a day.
