An aneurysm weakens a blood vessel or artery in the brain.
A brain aneurysm is a serious condition that occurs when a weak spot forms in the wall of an artery or blood vessel in the brain. If the spot continues to weaken, a potentially life-threatening rupture can occur. Recovering from a brain aneurysm can be a challenging process that affects your physical and emotional health.
Symptoms
Warning signs before a brain aneurysm ruptures can include nausea, vomiting, headache, light sensitivity, stiff neck, loss of sensation, and double or blurred vision. These occur before approximately 40 percent of major ruptures, according to the Brain Aneurysm Foundation. Symptoms of an unruptured aneurysm can include headaches, double vision, pain behind or above the eye, and cranial nerve palsy. Cranial nerve palsy causes the eyes to look in different directions. It is possible to have an unruptured aneurysm and never experience any of these symptoms.
Treatment
Several procedures are used to repair the artery or blood vessel affected by an aneurysm. During microvascular clipping, a part of the skull is removed, giving the surgeon access to the aneurysm. A small metal clip is placed on the neck of the aneurysm, preventing blood from flowing to it. Once the clip is put in place, the section of the skull is replaced.
Occlusion, another surgical procedure, might be used to clamp off an entire artery damaged by an aneurysm.
Endovascular embolization, or coiling, is a non-surgical procedure. A catheter is inserted into a groin artery and is threaded through the body to the brain. Platinum coils are passed through the catheter and into the aneurysm, destroying it.
Aneurysms can also be repaired by grafting a new blood vessel in the brain, allowing blood to bypass the damaged section.
Recovery
Because an aneurysm is a very serious brain condition, recovery can be challenging. If the aneurysm caused a stroke, you might need physical, speech and occupational therapy to learn to walk, talk and complete everyday tasks. Depending on the severity of your postoperative condition, you might recuperate at home after hospitalization, or you might be treated at a rehabilitation hospital.
Effects
You might experience headaches after an aneurysm. Their intensity will depend on the severity of the aneurysm, the treatment, and whether there was a rupture, according to the Brain Aneurysm Foundation.
Nausea can occur as the anesthesia wears off.
Pain and itching might occur at the incision site if you had surgery, and they might be accompanied by a click near the area where the bone was removed.
Jaw pain can also occur after aneurysm surgery.
Fatigue might be a problem for months or years after an aneurysm, because of the energy required for the brain to heal. Hearing or visual problems can occur for several weeks after surgery. Some people experience seizures, which can be treated with anticonvulsant medication.
Considerations
After a life-threatening condition, it is not unusual to be depressed or emotional. Depression can also occur as a result of the trauma to your brain. Trauma can also make you frustrated or angry. Counseling and medication can help you deal with these issues. Trouble sleeping can also occur after an aneurysm, and lack of sleep might contribute to psychological issues.
