Brain aneurysms occur when a vessel within the brain either leaks or ruptures suddenly. An aneurysm can form due to the thinning of an arterial wall. Arteries run like tree branches through our brain. It is at these branching points that aneurysms are likely to occur due to weaknesses. If the weakened artery ruptures, blood can seep into the surrounding area, which can then cause a life-threatening situation. If an aneurysm leaks or ruptures, the end result can lead to death or stroke. If you experience a partial paralysis on one side of the face, severe headache that cannot be alleviated, visual disturbances, dilated pupils, or numbness of the face, seek immediate medical attention. If an aneurysm is detected, depending on the severity of the situation, surgery may be needed.
Surgical Clipping
A procedure known as a craniotomy is performed in order to remove a portion of the skull where the aneurysm is located. According to the Mayo Clinic, once the blood vessel that is feeding the aneurysm has been located, the aneurysm is clamped with a small clip. The clip will then stop the flow of blood that is feeding the aneurysm. Once the aneurysm has been clamped, the portion of skull is put back into place and secured.
Endovascular Coiling
With endovascular coiling, a small catheter tube is placed in the femoral artery through the groin. This tube is then gently pushed through the body until it reaches the aneurysm. A small platinum wire is guided through the catheter. Once the wire reaches the aneurysm, it begins to coil within the aneurysm. The coil will then clot the blood flow, which will cut the aneurysm off from the artery and disconnect the blood flow.
Risks
These types of surgical procedures can cause potential risks. Both the surgical clipping and endovascular coiling can cause bleeding of the brain, and the loss of blood flow within the brain. According to the Mayo Clinic, an endovascular procedure may be less invasive, but you stand the risk of needing additional surgeries due to a high risk of re-bleeding.
Catheters and Shunts
When an aneurysm ruptures, the brain can fill with cerebrospinal fluid due to excess pressure from the aneurysm. A catheter or shunt may be placed in the brain in order to relieve this pressure. A catheter may be used to fill in the spaces that are filled with fluid inside the brain. This fluid will then be drained into an external bag. A shunt is a type of rubber tubing that has a valve on it. The valve drains fluid through a channel that starts in the brain, and ends in the abdominal cavity.
Calcium Channel Blockers
If you have an aneurysm, calcium blockers are used in order to prevent calcium from building up within blood vessels. If there is a complication caused by an aneurysm, this can cause a condition known as vasospasm. Vasospasm creates a widening and narrow constricting of the blood vessels. Calcium blockers can help reduce the chance of brain injury as a result of the constricting blood vessels.
Prevention/Solution
If you have been diagnosed with an aneurysm, but it has not leaked or ruptured, you can lower your risk for potential disaster. Smoking causes an unhealthy constriction of blood vessels, which is why it is advised that you not smoke if you have been diagnosed with an aneurysm. According to the Mayo Clinic, you should limit caffeine intake since caffeine can spike your blood pressure. You should be careful when taking aspirin, as this medication can stop blood clotting. Changes in diet, such as healthy eating, can help to lower blood pressure.
Tags: blood vessels, According Mayo, According Mayo Clinic, blood flow, Mayo Clinic