|
What is Cerebral Aneurysm?
Cerebral aneurysm is a common cerebrovascular disorder caused by a
weakness in the wall of a cerebral artery or vein. The disorder may
result from congenital defects or from preexisting conditions such as
hypertensive vascular disease and atherosclerosis (build-up of fatty
deposits in the arteries), or from head trauma. Cerebral aneurysms occur
more commonly in adults than in children and are slightly more common in
women than in men, however they may occur at any age. Before an aneurysm
ruptures, the individual may experience such symptoms as a sudden and
usually severe headache, nausea, vision impairment, vomiting, and loss
of consciousness, or the individual may be asymptomatic, experiencing no
symptoms at all. Onset is usually sudden and without warning. Rupture of
a cerebral aneurysm is dangerous and usually results in bleeding in the
brain or in the area surrounding the brain, leading to an intracranial
hematoma (a mass of blood? usually clotted? within the skull). Rebleeding,
hydrocephalus (the excessive accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid),
vasospasm (spasm of the blood vessels), or multiple aneurysms may also
occur.
Is there any treatment?
Emergency treatment for individuals with a ruptured cerebral aneurysm
generally includes restoring deteriorating respiration and reducing
intracranial pressure. Surgery is usually performed within the first 3
days to clip the ruptured aneurysm and to reduce the risk of rebleeding.
In patients for whom surgery is considered too risky, microcoil
thrombosis or balloon embolization may be performed. Other treatments
may include bed rest, drug therapy, or hypertensive-hypervolemic therapy
(hypervolemic hemodilution) to control vasospasm.
What is the prognosis?
The prognosis for a patient with a ruptured cerebral aneurysm depends on
the extent and location of the aneurysm, the person's age, general
health, and neurological condition. Some individuals with a ruptured
cerebral aneurysm die from the initial bleeding. Other individuals with
cerebral aneurysm recover with little or no neurological deficit. Early
diagnosis and treatment are important.
|
|
|
