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Brain aneurysm

A brain aneurysm is a bulge in the wall of a brain artery and usually onsets on the crossing of two arteries. The aneurysm can be compared with a worn-out bicycle tire, where the inside tire is bulging through the outside tire. High blood pressure is usually the cause of the bulging. The bulge can burst over time causing a haemorrhagic stroke, which can damage the brain tissue.

Symptoms

Most brain aneurysms only cause noticeable symptoms if they burst (rupture). Because a brain aneurysms commonly occur on the larger arteries on the outside of the brain in the membrane that cover the brain (arachnoid mater), when they rupture this is called a subarachnoid heammorage, SAH. Symptoms of SAH are:

  • Sudden headache and neck pain
  • Unconsciousness
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Convulsions (uncontrollable shaking)
  • Weakness in arms and legs

Treatment

Surgery on a brain aneurysm is not always needed or recommended. Factors that affect whether treatment is necessary include the health, age and medical condition of the person, the size and location of the aneurysm and the potential risks of surgery. 

Within UNCH Haaglanden Medical Center is specialised in diagnosing and treating patients with a brain aneurysm. More information about this condition can be found on the NVvN website. 

Ons advies

Naar website

Gerelateerde aandoeningen

Hersenbloeding
Traumatisch Hersenletsel
Hersenvliestumor (Meningeoom)