An aneurysm is defined by the Merriam-Webster Medical Dictionary as “an abnormal blood-filled dilatation of a blood vessel.” According to the Brain Aneurysm Foundation, approximately 1 in 50 individuals have an unruptured brain aneurysm; and an aneurysm ruptures every 18 minutes with a 40% fatality rate. A brain aneurysm is typically very small, and is often called a berry aneurysm.
Brain Aneurysm Symptoms
Usually, no symptoms are associated with a brain aneurysm. However, in a small number of cases the potentially fatal malformation may press on a nerve and produce one of the following symptoms: droopy eyelid, changes in vision especially double vision, pain around the eye, a dilated pupil, or numbness on one side of the body (Medline Plus).
According to Medline Plus, a rupture of a brain aneurysm can result in “a sudden, severe headache, nausea and vomiting, stiff neck, loss of consciousness, and signs of a stroke.”
Aneurysm Rupture Triggers
The American Heart Association lists a number of triggers that appear to temporarily increase the likelihood of an aneurysm rupturing. These triggers include: coffee, vigorous exercise, nose blowing, sex, straining to have a bowel movement, cola, anger, and being startled. Dr. Vlak, a neurologist at the University Center in Utrecht, the Netherlands, said that each of these triggers produce a short increase in blood pressure. The list was compiled by asking 250 survivors of an aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage about activities prior to their event. Doctors recommend moderation in coffee and alcohol consumption and the treatment of constipation.
MRA: Magnetic Resonance Angiography
An MRA is a specialized magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) test. There is little difference between MRIs and MRAs from the patient's perspective, except the MRA requires one or more extended scans which can last up to seven minutes. The patient wears earplugs, which are provided to reduce the noise of the machine. Some patients may experience mild nausea and claustrophobia. Contrast material can help identify an aneurysm, but a few patients have an allergy to the material. A patient should discuss any concerns with his or her health care providers.
The radio frequency (RF) pulses of an MRA “saturate” the stationary tissue in the field being imaged. Only the blood moving into the imaging field is unsaturated and can respond to the additional RF pulses. Consequently, the blood flow will stand out on the MRA image. An MRA does not use X-rays or other ionizing radiation.
Treatment of a brain aneurysm depends upon its size, location, and whether it has ruptured.
Disclaimer
This article is intended for basic informational purposes, and is not intended to either diagnose or treat any condition. Individuals should consult their doctors regarding any concerns with aneurysms, magnetic resonance imaging or angiographs or any other health issue.
Sources:
- Anonymous, Drinking coffee, having sex are triggers that raise rupture risks for brain aneurysm, American Heart Association Rapid Access Journal Report Retrieved 7/1/2011
- Anonymous, MR Angiogrpahy (MRA) RadilogyInfo.org Anonymous, Understanding : Brain Aneurysm Statistics and Facts, The Brain Aneurysm Foundation, retrieved 7/2/2011.
- Anonymous, Brain Aneurysm: Also called: Berry Aneurysm, Cerebral aneurysm, intracranial aneurysm.Medline Plus Retrieved 7/1/2011 Definition aneurysm on-line Marriam-Webster Medical Dictionary
- Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy Theoretical Principles, Retrieved 7/1/2011.
Richard Walloch - Don't believe me because of my education or professional experience. Believe me because of the evidence and arguments I advance.
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