Lupus and Cerebral (brain) Aneurysms

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Lupus and Cerebral (brain)

Aneurysms

Cerebral

(brain) Aneurysms

What is a brain aneurysm?

A brain aneurysm is a weak

bulging spot in an artery of the brain. It resembles a small, thin balloon or

a weak spot on a tire inner tube. Not all aneurysms are fatal, but all must

be addressed by medical intervention with either blood thinning medications,

or surgery.

What causes brain aneurysms?

Brain aneurysms are often the

result of a congenital weakness (present at birth) in the muscle layer of the

blood vessel wall. They may also be caused by infections or injury.

Risk Factors increase with:

high blood

pressure

high

cholesterol

heart rhythm

disorder called atrial fibrillation

atherosclerosis

(plaque forms in arteries slowing blood supply)

smoking

excessive

alcohol consumption

being

overweight

family

history of stroke

diabetes

sickle cell

anemia

What conditions are associated

with cerebral aneurysm?

systemic lupus erythematosus (Lupus)

heart rhythm

disorder called atrial fibrillation

sickle cell

disease

giant cell asteritis

polycystic

kidney disease

Marfans

syndrome

fibromuscular dysplasia

What are the symptoms of cerebral

aneurysms?

A cerebral aneurysm may cause symptoms ranging from headaches

(your worst headache ever), drowsiness, neck stiffness, nausea and vomiting

to more severe symptoms such as mental confusion, vertigo (dizziness) and

loss of consciousness.

A ruptured aneurysm is most often accompanied by

a severe headache that demands medical attention. The doctor takes an X-ray

of the area to determine the exact location of the aneurysm. This information

determines the patient's treatment options.

How can a cerebral aneurysm harm

a person?

A ruptured aneurysm can lead

to bleeding inside the head. Often, the aneurysm heals,

bleeding stops and the patient survives. In more serious cases, the bleeding

may cause brain damage with paralysis or coma. In the most severe cases, a

ruptured cerebral aneurysm can lead to death.

How can brain aneurysms be

detected?

Brain aneurysms can be

detected by imaging tests such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed

axial tomography (CAT scans) and angiograms.

Angiogram:

x-rays are used to produce pictures of the inside of blood vessels.

Computed

axial tomography (CAT scan): x-rays and computers are used to produce an

image of a cross-section of the brain.

Spinal tap:

a needle is inserted into the spinal cavity and used to extract spinal

fluid for testing.

Ultrasound:

high-frequency sound waves, inaudible to the human ear, are transmitted

through body tissues. The echoes from the sound waves are recorded and

transformed into video or photographic images.

Magnetic

resonance imaging (MRI): a large magnet, radio waves and a computer are

used to produce very clear pictures of the body. This procedure does not

involve the use of X-rays.

How are

brain aneurysms treated?

Patients with cerebral

aneurysm require intensive care and as little stress as possible. Once

detected, most brain aneurysms can be repaired with microsurgery. This type

of surgery is performed with the aid of an operating microscope and tiny

instruments. During surgery, the aneurysm is identified and removed. After

the aneurysm is removed, the wound is closed.

How

are aneurysms prevented?

If you have a family member who has had an aneurysm, you should be evaluated

and receive frequent screening tests. Although in most cases aneurysms are

not hereditary, there are cases in which more than one family member develops

an aneurysm.

Lifestyle changes to keep blood vessels healthy

can also be beneficial in preventing aneurysms. These changes include:

Not smoking

Following a

regular exercise program

Eating a

balanced, low-fat diet

SOURCE:

Mayo Clinic, news release, Sept. 16, 2003

The Encyclopaedia

of Medical Imaging Volume VII

Yahoo Health

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Deanna