Brain Aneurysm

A brain aneurysm is an outward bulging or ballooning of a weak spot in the wall of an artery that supplies blood to the brain. Although they do not always break but in some cases they may rupture or leak, releasing blood into the brain and causing a hemorrhagic stroke that may cause brain damage or even death.

The network of blood vessels at the base of the brain called the circle of Willis

Aneurysms have a variety of causes including:

• High blood pressure
• Atherosclerosis
• Trauma
• Heredity
• Abnormal blood flow at the junction where arteries come together
• Infections of the artery wall
• Brain tumors
• Drug abuse, especially cocaine

Early diagnosis of brain aneurysm prevents rupturing of the vessels and involves the following:

• Complete history of the patient
• Thorough physical & neurological examination
• CT scan
• Lumbar puncture
• Angiography
• MRI scan
• Cerebral angiogram