(Bulge in Brain Blood Vessels)
A weakness in a brain blood vessel that leads to a bulge which can rupture or bleed.
Aneurysms can be life-threatening if they rupture; hence immediate medical attention is necessary.
Children are more likely to have giant aneurysms than adults.
Warning Signs of Cerebral Aneurysm
(Bulge in Brain Blood Vessels)
Most aneurysms cause no symptoms until they rupture. Once ruptured, it causes bleeding in the brain. Symptoms may include,
- Blur or Double Vision
- Confusion
- Drooping Eyelid
- Sensitivity to Light
- Loss of Consciousness
- Nausea or Vomiting
- Seizure
- Stiff Neck
- Sudden and Severe Headache
Causes of Cerebral Aneurysm
(Bulge in Brain Blood Vessels)
There is no known cause for cerebral aneurysm. Certain factors can increase the risk, like,
- Family History
- Genetic Disorders
- Polycystic Kidney Disease
- Head Trauma
- Infections
Diagnosis of Cerebral Aneurysm
(Bulge in Brain Blood Vessels)
A child with a ruptured aneurysm will undergo several imaging tests to determine the cause of his symptoms. Tests may include:
- CT Scan
- MRI
- Cerebral Angiogram (Images of Blood Vessels)
- Lumbar puncture (To Look for Bleeding or Infection)
Treatment for Cerebral Aneurysms
(Bulge in Brain Blood Vessels)
The goal of treating an aneurysm is to prevent future bleeding while preserving the artery.
- Cerebral Coiling – Filling the aneurysm with tiny metal coils to block the blood flow and cause the blood inside to clot.
- Clipping – Your doctor will apply a tiny metal clip to the aneurysm’s neck to stop blood flow.
Children with a cerebral aneurysm should continue medical follow-ups throughout their lives to ensure that the blood vessels in their brains remain healthy.
Complications of Cerebral Aneurysm
(Bulge in Brain Blood Vessels)
The cerebral aneurysm can be life-threatening and lead to:
- Reduced Blood Flow to The Brain
- Too Much Spinal Fluid in The Brain
- Coma
- Permanent Brain Damage
Can We Prevent Cerebral Aneurysm?
(Bulge in Brain Blood Vessels)
No! The cause is not clearly understood, and there are no effective means to prevent its occurrence.
Fast Facts on Cerebral Aneurysm
(Bulge in Brain Blood Vessels)
- Cerebral aneurysm is a weakness in the brain blood vessel that leads to a bulge which can rupture or bleed
- Children with aneurysms do not have any symptoms until the aneurysm ruptures, causing bleeding around the brain
- A CT scan, MRI, or cerebral angiography help to diagnose cerebral aneurysms
- Aneurysms in the brain can be clipped or coiled as part of treatment
- It can take weeks to fully recover from an aneurysm rupture
