Aneurysm – Drrahul

Dr. Rahul Gupta - Aneurysm Surgeon in Noida

Aneurysm ensues when an artery wall becomes weak and cause abnormally large lumps inside brain which may rupture and can cause internal bleeding and hemorrhage (subarachnoid hemorrhage and intracranial hematoma). It requires immediate surgery to prevent repeated bleeding. Cerebral aneurysm can cause severe strokes. Aneurysm can be diagnosed by cerebral angiography and the best method is DSA done in Neurocathlab. The surgery can be done by two methods: clipping and coiling. Clipping is associated with opening the skull and directly target the aneurysm through an operating microscope under high magnification. Coiling is the same endovascular procedure done without opening the skull. Both procedures are successful but with their own pros/cons. Another complication related with SAH is Vasospasm (sudden or gradual blockage of blood vessels), can be dangerous and is treated by medication.

Diagnosis is primarily confirmed by cerebral angiography, with Digital Subtraction Angiography (DSA) in a Neurocathlab being the gold standard. Surgical treatments include clipping, which requires opening the skull to place a clip at the aneurysm base under a high-powered operating microscope, and coiling, an endovascular procedure performed without opening the skull. Both have distinct advantages and disadvantages depending on patient condition and aneurysm specifics.

Treatment Considerations and Complications

Timely treatment of cerebral aneurysms is crucial to prevent fatal hemorrhages. Clipping and coiling have high success rates but should be chosen based on aneurysm size, shape, location, and patient factors. Vasospasm, a sudden or gradual narrowing of blood vessels after hemorrhage, is another critical risk, treated effectively with medication to restore blood flow and reduce stroke risk. Regular monitoring and follow-up imaging play an important role in patient management.

Frequently asked questions

01.What causes a brain aneurysm?

Weakness in artery walls due to genetics, hypertension, smoking, or trauma can cause aneurysms.

02.What are the common symptoms of a ruptured aneurysm?

Sudden severe headache (often described as “thunderclap headache”), nausea, vomiting, confusion, seizures, and loss of consciousness.

03.How are brain aneurysms diagnosed?

By cerebral angiography, especially Digital Subtraction Angiography (DSA), and neuroimaging (CT, MRI) techniques.

04.What are the treatment options?

Surgical clipping and endovascular coiling are the main treatments, chosen based on the aneurysm characteristics.

05.What is vasospasm and how is it treated?

A complication causing narrowing of blood vessels after hemorrhage, treated with medications to prevent brain ischemia.