Brain Aneurism

Brain Aneurism

A brain aneurism, or aneurysm, is a weak, bulging area of an artery located in the brain. A brain aneurism symptom may go unnoticed, but if it ruptures, it can cause a stroke. The cause can be genetic or due to hardening of the arteries.

An unruptured brain aneurism symptom can be blurred vision, changes in speech, headaches, or neck pain. Loss of coordination, decreased concentration, fatigue, or sudden changes in behavior can also be a brain aneurism symptom. Someone with an unruptured brain aneurism may experience problems with short-term memory and thinking. Before an aneurism ruptures, the person might not experience a brain aneurism symptom.

A ruptured brain aneurism symptom may be a sudden, severe headache, nausea, vomiting, dilated pupils, loss of sensation, and sensitivity to light. A ruptured brain aneurism symptom can include loss of consciousness, seizures, or stroke.

The doctor may choose to allow a small brain aneurism to be left untreated. The doctor will weigh the risk of an aneurism rupturing against the risk of surgery. Tests, such as a CT scan, are used to locate and evaluate a brain aneurism. The two surgeries used to treat aneurisms are coil embolization and surgical snipping.