Brain surgery is a complex field focused on the treatment of conditions that affect the brain, spinal cord, and nervous system. Neurosurgeons are trained to manage a range of neurological disorders, working to support patients facing tumors, trauma and blood vessel disorders. When a person is diagnosed with a brain aneurysm, the involvement of surgical specialists is common. Here is some information about how brain aneurysms are diagnosed and treated:
Identifying Symptoms
A brain aneurysm is a bulging area or weak spot in the wall of a brain artery. Some people with unruptured brain aneurysms do not have symptoms, and the aneurysms are found during imaging performed for other reasons. Small, stable aneurysms might go unnoticed for years. As an unruptured aneurysm becomes larger or begins to press on surrounding nerves and structures in the brain, symptoms may begin to appear. You may notice pain behind or above one eye, a dilated pupil, vision changes, or numbness and weakness on one side of the face.
Aneurysm rupture is a dangerous event. It typically presents with a sudden, severe headache that starts quickly. Other warning signs include:
- Neck stiffness
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Sensitivity to light
- Confusion
- Loss of consciousness
- Seizures
- Fainting
Diagnosing Aneurysms
Healthcare providers order diagnostic imaging to confirm the presence of an aneurysm. A common test for a possible rupture is a computed tomography (CT) scan. This test is fast and uses X-rays to produce cross-sectional images of the brain, helping doctors detect bleeding. For greater detail about blood vessels, a CT angiogram (CTA) may follow. It uses injected contrast dye to highlight arteries and provide a clearer picture potential bleeding.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is another tool in this process. It uses powerful magnets and radio waves to produce detailed images of both the brain and its blood vessels. A specific type of MRI focuses on the brain’s vascular structures to capture the location, size, and shape of an aneurysm. When planning for surgical or endovascular treatment, a cerebral angiogram may be performed. This procedure involves guiding a thin catheter through the blood vessels up to the arteries in the neck. Contrast dye is released, which makes the blood vessels visible on X-ray images; this allows for a comprehensive evaluation of the aneurysm and surrounding vascular system.
Scheduling Treatment
After diagnosis, the next steps are determined by a collaborative healthcare team, including neurologists and neurosurgeons. For small, unruptured aneurysms that are not causing symptoms, the medical team may recommend regular monitoring with follow-up imaging to look for any changes. For aneurysms that are large, growing, or have ruptured, brain surgery is likely necessary.
In cases of rupture, intervention is organized quickly to stabilize the patient and manage bleeding. Common treatmetns include surgical clipping and endovascular coiling. Surgical clipping involves placing a small metal clip at the base of the aneurysm to stop blood flow into it. Endovascular coiling uses thin wires or coils inserted through the blood vessels to fill the aneurysm and promote clotting. Recovery plans may involve extended hospital stays, rehabilitation, or outpatient follow-up, tailored to the patient’s needs.
Learn More About Brain Surgery for Aneurysms
Learning how brain aneurysms are diagnosed and managed provides you with step-by-step insight. By understanding the symptoms to watch for and learning about the varied diagnostic tools used, you are better prepared to engage in discussions with healthcare providers. Treatment options are guided by the specific situation and focused on managing the aneurysm’s unique characteristics. To learn more about what brain surgery for aneurysms involves or the possible pathways for care, contact a healthcare professional today.