Brain Aneurysm and AVM

What is Brain Aneurysm?

A Brain Aneurysm, also known as cerebral aneurysm, is a condition in which the wall of the blood vessel in brain weakens. This vessel weakness in usually present at birth and it progresses slowly over time. When aneurysm ruptures, the blood goes into the brain. Due to this, blood supply to a part of brain decreases or is completely blocked, resulting in stroke. This part of brain that doesn`t receive blood dies and can`t function further.

What is AVM or Arteriovenous Malformation?

AVMs are abnormal blood vessels in the brain in which one or more arteries are directly connected to one or more veins. Arteries usually perfrom the function of carrying blood from the heart to the tissues and veins perform exactly opposite as they take back blood from tissues to the heart. But in AVM, as some of arteries and veins are directly connected, this poses great complexity. Veins are thin walled structure that can’t tolerate high blood pressure flow for longer time and therefore they rupture and bleeding occurs in the brain.

What are the causes of Brain Aneurysm and AVM?

Brain Aneurysm and AVM are generally caused due to defect in the formation of blood vessels of the brain inside the womb. It can also develop later in life due to conditions:

• Hypertensive vascular disease
• Atherosclerosis

What are the symptoms of Brain Aneurysm and AVM?

The most common symptoms of Brain Aneurysm and AVM are:

• Repeated severe headache
• Pain around eye
• Facial pain
• Confusion and decreased alertness
• Loss of consciousness
• Neck pain
• Stiffness
• Changes in sensation of smell & vision
• Slurred speech
• Hormonal imbalance
• Nausea and vomiting
• Seizures
• Paralysis

How can Brain Aneurysm and AVM be treated?

Brain Aneurysm and AVM are medical emergencies that need to be treated immediately. The patient comes to know about the problem only after hemorrhage has occurred. Therefore, the goal of the treatment is to stop the bleeding and damage to the brain. The doctors also ensure that this condition doesn’t reoccur.

The doctors will perform neurosurgery or endovascular surgery to repair the damage to the ruptured aneurysm.