Centre of Excellence for Neurosciences in Chandigarh

When an artery in the human body weakens, it leads to the formation of a large bulge or balloon-like shape, which the medical science refers to as an aneurysm.

Depending on the location and type of aneurysm, patients tend to suffer from different symptoms. Present in the brain or any other body part, aneurysms don’t show their signs and symptoms unless they rupture. Symptoms of a rupture aneurysm typically include:

• Swelling and pain on that specific surface of the body

• Bleeding

• Increased heart rate

• Numbness

• Lightheaded or feeling dizzy

• Fatigue

There are three types of aneurysms:

• Cerebral aneurysms - They tend to occur in the brain above the aorta when the vessels weaken and form a bulge.

• Thoracic aortic aneurysms - They tend to develop in the part of the aorta that passes through the chest.

• Abdominal aortic aneurysms - They are the most common aneurysms of aorta known as “Triple-A”. When the blood pressure increases against the aorta’s wall, resulting in its rupture.

For diagnosing a cerebral aneurysm, your doctor might suggest a CT scan or an angiogram. An angiogram involves inserting a dye through an arm or leg. Once the dye reaches the brain, pictures of the brain are taken which enable the doctor to see if there are any problems. An MRI of the brain is also an option that your doctor might choose to go with.

Aneurysms in areas like the brain can be quite dangerous to ignore, as rupture or bursting can cause a stroke or bleeding, which can be life-threatening.

The treatment of an aneurysm depends on the size, type and location of the aneurysm. Doctors can choose to repair the aneurysm through a surgery or an endovascular procedure.