What is an aneurysm?
An aneurysm is an abnormal widening or ballooning of part of an artery due to weakness in the wall of a blood vessel. In other words, it is a dilatation of the arteries due to a failure in the blood vessel wall that triggers a widening of its diameter and carries a risk of rupture and massive internal bleeding.
Depending on the shape of the aneurysm they are divided into secular, fusiform, use-shaped and lateral; they can also be classified by size. All aneurysms can be complicated by rupture of the vessel and lead to cerebral hemorrhage, causing a cerebral vascular accident, which can cause irreversible nerve damage.
What are the symptoms?
Aneurysms are asymptomatic, they only present symptoms when they rupture. These symptoms depend on where the aneurysm is located. It may cause severe headaches, nausea, vomiting, neck stiffness, seizures or sudden loss of consciousness.
Brain aneurysms may expand without rupturing. In these cases the aneurysm may press on nerves and cause double vision, dizziness or headaches.
When the aneurysm ruptures, there is usually a sensation of pain, low blood pressure, rapid heart rate and dizziness.
Several tests such as angiography or CT scan are used for diagnosis.
Causes of aneurysm or why it occurs
Most cerebral aneurysms are congenital, but may also be due to trauma, tumors, arteriosclerosis, infectious causes or due to habitual consumption of toxic substances.
Specialists relate pregnancy with the formation and rupture of aneurysms in the splenic artery.
Can it be prevented?
Controlling high blood pressure can help prevent an aneurysm. It is also important to follow a healthy diet and get regular exercise.
What is the treatment?
Aneurysm treatment depends on the size of the aneurysm and its location. There are several conservative and surgical alternatives for treatment, which should be evaluated by a neurosurgeon.