Cerebral aneurysm rupture: warning signs

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Extract from the article: An aneurysm is a localized dilation of an artery or even a vein in the form of a pocket or an abnormal enlargement. The aneurysm may rupture. This is called an aneurysm rupture. This requires

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An aneurysm is a localized dilation of an artery or even a vein in the form of a pocket or an abnormal enlargement. The aneurysm may rupture. This is called an aneurysm rupture. This requires urgent treatment. Aneurysm rupture is a vascular health problem that always occurs suddenly and abruptly, without warning signs, but with severe pain. What causes an aneurysm to occur? Can it be prevented? How can it be treated?

An aneurysm is characterised by a herniation or swelling in the wall of an artery, which indicates that the artery has weakened. Aneurysms can remain silent or rupture, causing a haemorrhage that can lead to serious health problems and even death. It can involve different organs such as: the kidneys, the heart, the brain. An aneurysm can occur: in major arteries, such as those supplying blood to the brain and the aorta and in peripheral arteries, usually behind the knee, although rupture of these is relatively rare.

Different types of aneurysm

There are three main types of aneurysms, affecting different arteries: cerebral aneurysms are the most common. These are located in the brain and cause intracranial haemorrhage when they rupture.  Aortic aneurysms, which concern the largest artery in the human body, which runs from the heart down the spine and becomes the abdominal aorta.  Cardiac aneurysms, usually located in the left ventricle of the heart. This type of cardiac aneurysm is often created after a heart attack.

Risk factors

Several factors favour the appearance of an aneurysm: congenital malformation, smoking, use of oral contraceptives, high blood pressure, excessive alcohol consumption, diabetes, high levels of unhealthy fats and a sedentary lifestyle. They cause the walls of the arteries to become fragile.

What is the difference between stroke and aneurysm?

Stroke can be triggered by two different causes: either by the blockage of a blood vessel in the brain due to a blood clot or by the rupture of a vessel in the brain. In the latter case, the stroke may be caused by a ruptured aneurysm, which will lead to a brain haemorrhage. In the case of a brain aneurysm, the aneurysm may cause blood to leak or rupture, resulting in bleeding in the brain. This is called a haemorrhagic stroke. Most commonly, a brain aneurysm occurs as a result of a ruptured vessel in the space between the brain and the tissue covering the brain, called the meninges. This type of haemorrhagic stroke is called a subarachnoid haemorrhage.

What are the symptoms?

In about half of the cases, the victim loses consciousness after experiencing various symptoms. One of the first symptoms is an unusually severe headache, similar to a thunderclap, often accompanied by nausea and vomiting. These clinical signs indicate that the brain is bleeding as a result of the ruptured aneurysm. This is known as a haemorrhagic stroke. If the bleeding is too severe, the patient may die suddenly.

Complications

Complications of an aneurysm include: venous thromboembolism, the obstruction of a vein by a blood clot, chest pain and angina pectoris. There is also hydrocephalus, a condition that can lead to excess cerebrospinal fluid which increases pressure on the brain and can damage tissue. There is also hyponatremia, subarachnoid haemorrhage following a brain aneurysm can disturb the balance of sodium in the blood.

 Treatment

Aneurysm rupture occurs suddenly and abruptly. It is a medical health emergency. When the patient has a ruptured aneurysm and complains of unusual headaches, it is necessary to act very quickly or health complications may occur. A neurologist should be consulted for medical examination and treatment. The patient must then be regularly monitored by specialists. They must be encouraged to reduce their risk factors as much as possible to avoid the risk of recurrence.

Source: « « Doctissimo & medisite »