Lupus and Cerebral (brain) Aneurysms

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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