Brain Aneurysms
A brain aneurysm is a bubble or swelling that forms at a weak point in the blood vessels of the brain. This condition is caused by weakness in the wall of the blood vessel and can grow over time. Brain aneurysms may not usually give symptoms, but when they grow or burst, they can lead to serious health problems. Brain aneurysms are usually found in the arteries in the brain, especially the circumflex arteries.
Types:
- Saccular Aneurysm: The most common type, usually in the form of a bubble at the edge of a blood vessel.
- Fusiform Aneurysm: It is a long and bag-shaped structure formed by the expansion of the blood vessel.
Causes of Brain Aneurysm
- People with a family history of aneurysms have a higher risk of developing aneurysms. Genetic predisposition can cause some people to have weak spots in their blood vessels.
- Chronic high blood pressure can lead to weakening of the walls of blood vessels. This increases the risk of aneurysm formation.
- Hardening of the arteries is characterised by plaque build-up on the lining of the vessels, which can weaken the vessel walls.
- Smoking can negatively affect vascular health. Excessive consumption of alcohol can also impair vascular health and increase the risk of aneurysm.
- Dietary habits containing high fat, salt and sugar can negatively affect vascular health and increase the risk of aneurysm.
- The risk of aneurysm increases with age. It is especially more common in individuals over the age of 40.
- Women may have a higher risk of developing aneurysms, especially in the postmenopausal period.
- Some genetic diseases such as polycystic kidney disease and Marfan syndrome are associated with aneurysm development.
- Brain traumas can increase the risk of aneurysm by causing changes in the structure of blood vessels.
Brain Aneurysm Treatment
- Small and asymptomatic aneurysms are usually monitored with regular imaging tests. If the aneurysm is not growing or does not cause symptoms, active intervention may not be necessary.
- Surgical intervention is required to stop the blood flow.
- Stereotactic radiosurgery uses high doses of radiation to treat the aneurysm.
- If the aneurysm bursts, this requires urgent medical attention. A rupture can lead to serious conditions such as brain haemorrhage and meningitis.
- Emergency treatment usually involves controlling the bleeding and then repairing the aneurysm.
- As each patient’s situation is different, the treatment plan must be individually tailored by a specialist.
Things to Know About Brain Aneurysm Surgery
With microsurgical intervention, a clip is inserted into the neck of the aneurysm to stop the blood flow. This reduces the risk of the aneurysm bursting. The operation is usually performed under general anaesthesia. The duration varies depending on the size and location of the aneurysm, usually 2-4 hours. The patient remains in hospital for 5 days and is closely monitored.
Operation Duration | Anaesthesia | Hospitalisation | Recovery Time | Return to Work |
2-5 Hours | General Anaesthesia | 5 Days | 3 Weeks | 10 Days |