Aneurysms mainly occur in the brain. They are balloon-like bulges that occur in any weakening blood vessel, but are most commonly associated with the brain. The bulge fills with blood and may continue to get bigger. Eventually the bulge may burst, causing a hemorrhage which can lead to shock, stroke, severe pain or death.

Types of Aneurysms

There are two types of aneurysms

• Saccular aneurysm – also known a berry aneurysm. It has a bulge with a “neck” or “stem.”

• Fusiform aneurysm – this is the least common of all the aneurysms. It has bulges on both sides of the artery and has no stem.

Aneurysms can also be divided into two other groups based on which part of the vessel is inflated. These are called true aneurysms and false aneurysms.
Arteries are made up of three layers. The inner layer which is in contact with the blood is know as the tunica intima. The middle layer is known as tunica media. And the outer layer is the tunica adventitia. A false aneuryms involves the bulging of the tunica adventitia only, whereas a true aneuryms means that all three layers are bulged.

Aneurysms Risk Factors

• Smoking
• Diabetes
• Head trauma
• Oral contraceptive use
• High blood pressure
• Alcohol abuse
• Obesity
• Family history of aneurysms

Aneurysms Symptoms

Most people with aneurysms remain asymptomatic. But some patients may exhibit symptoms. Symptoms vary according to the location of the aneurysm in the brain.

Unruptured aneurysms may cause:

• Headaches
• Partial paralysis
• Problems with vision

Ruptured aneurysms may cause these warning signs:

• Loss of sensation
• Nausea/ vomiting
• Double vision
• Sensitivity to light

Aneurysms Diagnosis

Several technologies can be used to asses the status of the brain and its vessels when diagnosing aneurysms.

MRI – MRI technology uses magnetic signals to form a map of the brain. This allows the exact location of an aneurysm to be pinpointed. This can be combined with contrast die to enhance the image.

CT scans – Sometimes referred to as CAT scans. The procedure is noninvasive and painless. It allows blood vessels to been seen more clearly than they would on an x-ray.

CTA – This method involves combining a contrast die and a CT scan. The die is injected into a vein and eventually travels to the brain. This method allows the tracking of blood/ die. It is then possible to analyze how the blood is flowing and if any ruptures exist.

Angiogram – In this test incisions are made near the groin. A catheter is inserted, and threaded through arteries from the groin to the neck. A die is injected and x-rays can be taken, and all arteries can be analyzed for aneurysms.

Aneurysms Treatment

People who get treatment for unruptured aneurysms have a better prognosis than those who are treated for ruptured aneurysms. There are several surgical procedures to treat ruptured aneurysms:

Clipping – A metal clip is used to obliterate the aneurysm, blocking it off from blood supply and therefore removing the risk of it bursting and causing a hemorrhage. This is the most common surgical treatment for aneurysms.

Endovascular Embolization or Coiling – Metal coils are put into the aneurysm, therefore reducing the amount of blood that can get into the aneurysm.

Aneurysms are bulges in blood vessels that can be treated through surgical procedures. Although some aneurysms may cause no symptoms, the outlook is better when they are treated before rupturing.