What is a Ruptured Brain Aneurysm?
A brain aneurysm is a bulging area in an artery in the brain. Its walls may be weak and thin and is prone to rupturing. In other words when blood passes through the weakened blood vessel, the blood pressure causes a small area to bulge outwards like a balloon.
Ruptured brain aneurysm usually cause bleeding into the space around the brain. Here are some of the common signs and symptoms:
Severe headache
Nausea
Stiff neck
Blurred vision
Sensitivity to light
Seizure
Vomiting
Drooping eyelid
Pain above and behind the eye
Loss of consciousness
Confusion
Weakness and/or numbness
If a brain aneurysm is detected before it ruptures, treatment may be recommended to prevent it rupturing in future. Factors that affect whether treatment is recommended include your age, the size and position of the aneurysm, your family medical history, and any other health conditions you have. If treatment is recommended, this usually involves either filling the aneurysm with tiny metal coils or an open operation to seal it shut with a tiny metal clip.
On the other hand, unruptured brain aneurysm usually have no symptoms. Typically, these aneurysms are small. Many unruptured aneurysms are found incidentally when tests are being done to screen for other conditions.
The best way to prevent getting an aneurysm, or reduce the risk of an aneurysm growing bigger and possibly rupturing, is to avoid activities that could damage your blood vessels namely : being overweight, smoking, high fat diet and high blood pressure.
