In some cases, several symptoms could reveal the existence of a developing aneurysm in the brain, a condition that affects between 1 and 4% of the population.
- Pain above and behind the eye, numbness, paralysis on one side of the face, dilated pupils, double vision or other visual changes are “warning signs of a slowly developing brain aneurysm,” according to neurosurgeon Scott Simon.
- “If the brain aneurysm is detected before it ruptures, there is often not much that can be done. [Mais] A developing aneurysm can sometimes pose an imminent threat, and doctors may decide to operate to remove it.”
- According to studies, 1 to 4% of the population are living with a brain aneurysm without even knowing it.
“An aneurysm is like a blister, a sore on a garden hose.” A cerebral aneurysm refers to the abnormal dilation of an artery in the brain. This malformation weakens the arterial wall which, beyond a certain size, can rupture, causing sudden internal hemorrhage: this is what is called a ruptured cerebral aneurysm, which strikes every year around 6,000 people in France. In most cases, these ruptures occur suddenly and are therefore impossible to anticipate. The event, if it does not prove fatal in half of the cases, causes permanent neurological damage.
In a recent articleDr. Scott Simon, a neurosurgeon at Penn State Health in the United States, points out that in some cases, several symptoms may be warning signs of a “developing aneurysm”before it ruptures. This would allow the disease to be detected early and action taken, if possible.
Brain aneurysms ‘discovered by chance’
Pain above and behind the eye, numbness, weakness, paralysis on one side of the face, dilated pupil, double vision or other visual changes are possible. “warning signs of a slowly growing brain aneurysm”according to the doctor, who relies on the National Institutes of Health.
Yet, “these symptoms do not often lead to a medical diagnosis”notes Dr. Scott Simon. “The vast majority of patients have brain scans for another reason, such as a stroke or transient ischemic attack, and their aneurysms are discovered incidentally.”
And “Even if a brain aneurysm is detected before it ruptures, there is often little that can be done except to hospitalize the person for regular monitoring.”The neurosurgeon nevertheless adds that a “A developing aneurysm can sometimes pose an imminent threat, and doctors may decide to operate to remove it.”depending on the patient’s health and the location of the lesion in the brain.
Risk factors for cerebral aneurysm
1 to 4% of people are living with a brain aneurysm without even knowing it,according to studies. According to the Brain Aneurysm Foundation, the majority of these ruptures are between the ages of 35 and 60, but these ruptures can occur at any age, even in childhood. Currently, doctors do not recommend that people get screened unless a family member has already been diagnosed with a brain aneurysm.
“While we do not know the cause of brain aneurysms, certain risk factors appear to come into play, says Dr. Simon. We know that brain aneurysms can be hereditary [et] that they occur more frequently in smokers.” One of the best ways to limit damage remains prevention, namely “ban tobacco and control blood pressure” by adopting a healthier and more active lifestyle.
