A Cerebral Aneurysm is a weak and bulging area in the wall of an artery in the brain. This condition if prolonged can lead to the development of an abnormal widening or bleb.
The area of the blood vessels becomes worn out due to the constant flow of blood. It bulges out and results in a brain aneurysm. Brain aneurysm surgery sounds alarming but if the condition persists then it is important to get it treated to avoid any further complications.
If you delay, the aneurysm can grow and increases the probability of leaking. Bleeding in the brain is one of the brain issues that require medical attention. Failure of any aid may prove fatal.
If you want to know more about brain aneurysm surgery then read this article. It will provide information risks and process of the surgery.
Symptoms of Brain Aneurysm
The human brain is the center of the nervous system. It has all the controlling power. It receives information from the sensory organs and transmits them to the muscles of the body.
Like any other disease, the brain aneurysm shows signs of its presence. If you feel a headache or lose consciousness, then it is a sign that it is time to see a doctor. However, apart from these symptoms or signs, there are many others that can hint on the presence of an aneurysm. Some of them are given below:
- Nausea
- Stiff neck
- Drowsiness
- Dilated pupils
- Loss of balance
- Sudden blurred or double vision
- Finding trouble in having mental awareness
- Drooping eyelid
- Seizure
- Sensitivity to light
These are some of the symptoms that might appear before you go to see a doctor. If any of these show up then do not delay the visit to the doctor.
Brain Aneurysm Surgery
It is a surgical procedure that results in treating a bulging blood vessel present in the brain. This condition is risky as it increases the chance of tearing open or rupturing.
Doctors have two options when it comes to treating such a condition. As it is one of the brain diseases, doctors have to be very careful. This cerebral surgery can be treated with the following two options:
Clipping
If clipping is a suitable option then doctors usually prefer this method to remove the aneurysm. This requires an open craniotomy. The procedure is done during this stage where the skull is opened. The patient is under anesthesia.
From this point, the scalp and skull are opened to place a metal clip at the base of the aneurysm.
Endovascular Repair
The other option is endovascular repair. A coil is used in this procedure or a stent to remove the aneurysm. This surgery is more intensive than the previous one. The surgery is performed while the patient is under anesthesia.
Just like the previous method, a breathing tube is also given to the patient. In order to relax the muscles, a medicine is given but the dose is not high enough to put the patient to sleep.
The doctor first makes a cut to reach the groin through a catheter. The catheter then leads to the vessel where the aneurysm is located. Using the catheter, a contrast dye is injected.
This helps the doctors to view the shape and size of the aneurysm on the screen. The doctor is also able to see the arteries.
From this point, a wire is put into the aneurysm. They begin to coil into a mesh ball which is also known as coiling. This prevents the aneurysm from breaking or bleeding. In some cases, the doctors also use stents to keep the vessels open.
As the surgery is performed, depending on the condition of the patient, a blood thinner might be given to prevent clotting.
Depending on the nature of the surgery it might take time to recover from a brain tumor surgery. Some patients are allowed to leave the hospital soon after the operation while some have to wait a little longer to be allowed to leave.
Risks of Brain Aneurysm Repair
Like any other surgery, there are risks involved. See below:
- Blood clots
- Due to neurological surgery, you might experience changes in behavior
- Brain swelling
- Seizures
- Confusion
- Infection
- Stroke
- Speech and vision problems
- Weakness
How to Prepare for Brain Surgery
Cerebral surgery requires you to prepare yourself before the big surgery. The following things should be done if you are having brain surgery.
- You need to tell your doctor if you are taking any medicines – also includes nutritional supplements
- If you smoke, then quit before the surgery
- Make sure you do not eat or drink anything at least 8 hours before the surgery
- Stop taking any medicines that your doctor advises you not to take
- Follow all the instructions from your doctor
These steps can help you in preparing yourself for the surgery.
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Do Not Procrastinate
If you feel any symptoms appearing, then do not delay going to the doctor. This can result in serious damage to your brain. Brain aneurysm surgery requires you to take special care of yourself pre and post-surgery.
Take care of your health and follow the instructions given by your doctor. To get access to UM staff for general questions please contact us here.