Brain Aneurysm Specialists in New Jersey

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brain aneurysm is a serious medical condition that can have life-threatening consequences. Timely diagnosis and expert care are crucial. The highly skilled specialists and neurosurgeons at Centers for Neurosurgery, Spine & Orthopedics (CNSO) provide compassionate treatment for various cerebral conditions, including brain aneurysms.

As New Jersey’s most comprehensive brain and spine center, CNSO offers advanced medical intervention that involves state-of-the-art technology and the latest techniques to ensure the best possible outcomes for patients. Discover more about the comprehensive care available at CNSO’s office locations across Bergen, Passaic, Essex, Morris, and Hudson counties.

What Is a Brain Aneurysm?

A brain aneurysm, also commonly called a cerebral aneurysm, is a bulging or ballooning of a blood vessel in the brain due to a weakness in the vessel wall. Over time, the weakened or thin area can stretch and expand, creating a pouch-like structure that can fill with blood. It is estimated that 6.8 million people in the United States, or one in 50, have an unruptured brain aneurysm.

Brain aneurysms can vary in size and severity. Typically, they are small and cause minimal symptoms, but they can rupture when the artery wall becomes too weak and blood pushes against it too hard. A ruptured or leaking aneurysm leads to bleeding in the brain, known as subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), which can cause severe brain damage, stroke, and death in extreme cases.

Records indicate about 30,000 Americans suffer a brain aneurysm rupture each year. That equates to a brain aneurysm rupture every 18 minutes. Cerebral aneurysms often go unnoticed until a rupture occurs, making early detection and proper treatment crucial.

Causes and Risk Factors for Brain Aneurysms

An aneurysm in the brain is caused by a weakness in the artery wall. Although aneurysms can occur anywhere in the brain, they most often appear in arteries at the base of the brain. They form at forks or branches in arteries, as they are the weaker areas of the vessels.

Several factors can contribute to the weakening of artery walls, increasing the risk of developing a brain aneurysm. The risk factors of a brain aneurysm include:

• Genetic factors: Individuals can inherit conditions that increase the likelihood of developing a brain aneurysm, including connective tissue disorders and polycystic disease. Additionally, those with a family history of brain aneurysms are at a higher risk of developing one themselves.
• High blood pressure (hypertension): Continued chronic high blood pressure can weaken blood vessels, making an individual more vulnerable to aneurysms.
• Atherosclerosis: The buildup of plaque or fatty deposits in the arteries can weaken blood vessels, which can increase the risk of developing an aneurysm.
• Head trauma or injury: Sustaining a head injury or experiencing brain trauma can cause blood vessels to become damaged, potentially leading to the formation of an aneurysm.
• Age and gender: Brain aneurysms are most common in adults, particularly between the ages of 30 and 60. Women are at greater risk of developing brain aneurysms than men. After menopause, they are twice as likely as men to have an aneurysm.
• Infections: Certain infections in the artery wall can cause inflammation in the blood vessels, increasing the chance of a brain aneurysm.
• Smoking: Regular smoking is a known risk factor for aneurysm formation, as it contributes to the hardening of arteries and weakening of blood vessel walls.
• Drug use: The use of illicit drugs, particularly cocaine or amphetamine, can increase blood pressure and stress on the arteries, making aneurysm development more likely.
• Alcohol abuse: Consuming large amounts of alcohol can contribute to developing brain aneurysms, as heavy drinking can damage blood vessels.

While several risk factors can increase the likelihood of developing a brain aneurysm, in some cases, aneurysm formation can have no clear cause. Patients with no risk factors are not immune to brain aneurysms. Therefore, regular check-ups and annual physicals are crucial for reducing the risk.

Signs and Symptoms of Brain Aneurysms

The symptoms of a brain aneurysm can vary significantly depending on the progression of the aneurysm and whether the bulge has ruptured or not. Symptoms associated with an aneurysm are often the result of the pressure created by the aneurysm on surrounding tissues or nerves.

Unruptured Aneurysm Symptoms

In most cases, unruptured brain aneurysms cause subtle symptoms. In other instances, the condition might not produce any noticeable symptoms at all. Patients who experience aneurysm-related symptoms often report the following:

• Severe headaches, especially as the aneurysm grows larger
• Blurred or double vision caused by pressure placed on nerves that affect vision
• Pain above or behind the eyes, particularly if the aneurysm forms near the optic nerve
• Dilated pupils due to pressure placed on the nerves controlling the eye’s response to light
• Neck pain, stiffness, or discomfort
• Nausea and vomiting caused by pressure placed on areas of the brain that control digestion
• Seizures, in rare cases

Ruptured Aneurysm Symptoms

A ruptured brain aneurysm can cause sudden symptoms that are often quite severe. The rupture leads to brain bleeding, which warrants immediate medical attention. The signs indicating a ruptured brain aneurysm include:

• Sudden, severe headache that is often described as unbearable
• Loss of consciousness or sudden fainting
• Intense nausea and vomiting, often in conjunction with a severe headache
• Cognitive impairment, causing patients to become confused, disoriented, and unable to think clearly
• Sensitivity to bright lights
• Difficulty speaking or understanding speech
• Sudden weakness or paralysis, typically to one side of the body
• Abrupt changes to vision and even vision loss in some cases
• Neck stiffness or pain due to irritation of the protective layers surrounding the brain and spinal cord
• Seizures

 It is important to note that a brain aneurysm rupture is a medical emergency. Anyone experiencing symptoms should seek medical attention right away to prevent long-term or irreversible consequences.

Diagnosing a Brain Aneurysm at CNSO

CNSO takes a complete approach to diagnosing brain aneurysms. In addition to evaluating patients’ symptoms and medical history, specialists and neurosurgeons use a range of additional tests that provide the full scope for accurate diagnosis. Techniques for diagnosing brain aneurysms include:

Cerebral Angiogram

Considered the gold standard for imaging blood vessels in the brain and neck, a cerebral angiogram can be used to diagnose an aneurysm. It provides a detailed image to help detect brain aneurysms, as well as determine the size and location. The procedure involves injecting contrast dye into the blood vessels through a catheter inserted into an artery in the leg. Once the dye is injected, X-ray images are taken to visualize blood flow in the brain.

Computer Tomography (CT) Scan

A CT scan provides detailed images of the body, making aneurysms quickly identifiable for accurate diagnoses. The images highlight bones, muscles, fat, and organs, providing a more in-depth visualization than standard X-rays. By administering a CT scan, neurosurgeons and other specialists can identify the location of the aneurysm and its progression.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

This diagnostic technique uses a combination of large magnets, radio frequencies, and a computer to provide detailed images of the brain and blood vessels. An MRI can help detect small changes in brain tissue that may indicate a brain aneurysm.

Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA)

Magnetic resonance angiography is a non-invasive alternative to cerebral angiography. It uses a combination of magnetic resonance technology (MRI) and intravenous (IV) contrast dye for visualization of blood vessels in the brain. The dye appears on MRI images, providing neurosurgeons with a detailed understanding of the blood vessels being evaluated.

CNSO combines various diagnostic techniques for accurate brain aneurysm identification and confirmation. By using data from multiple diagnostic procedures and patient evaluations, CNSO guides treatment decisions and develops specialized care plans.

Treatment Options for Brain Aneurysm

Treatment for brain aneurysms at CNSO depends on the size and location of the aneurysm and whether it has ruptured or not, factoring in the individual patient’s needs. CNSO takes a conservative approach to treatment throughout the patient’s journey, providing expert comprehensive care at all stages, from diagnosis to surgery, if necessary. Treatment options can include:

Observation and Monitoring

Small, unruptured brain aneurysms that pose minimal risk are most often regularly observed through imagining techniques to monitor size and growth. Patients are educated on managing risk factors to reduce the likelihood of a rupture, including lifestyle changes like exercising, eating a healthy diet low in fats, quitting smoking, limiting alcohol consumption, and managing stress. Patients may also be prescribed medications to address symptoms of the aneurysm, although these will not treat the aneurysm itself.

Microvascular Clipping

This effective treatment option entails a neurosurgeon placing a small metal clip at the base of the aneurysm to block blood flow. By isolating the aneurysm and cutting off the blood supply to the area, the microsurgical procedure prevents the aneurysm from rupturing or bleeding further.

Endovascular Coiling

This is a minimally invasive procedure for treating brain aneurysms that involves inserting a catheter through the groin and guiding it to the aneurysm. Tiny coils are then deployed into the aneurysm to induce clotting and block blood flow.

Flow Diversion

This minimally invasive procedure treats brain aneurysms by redirecting blood flow away from it and reducing pressure. A stent (a soft, flexible mesh tube) is placed into the blood vessel where an aneurysm has formed. Over time, new cells seal the aneurysm and heal the vessel.

Frequently Asked Questions About Brain Aneurysms

What is a brain aneurysm?

A brain aneurysm is a bulge in a blood vessel in the brain that can fill with blood. It is caused by a weakness in the walls of the arteries in the brain, creating a risk of rupture that can lead to bleeding in the brain.

How dangerous is a ruptured brain aneurysm?

A ruptured brain aneurysm can lead to aSAH (aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage), a type of bleeding in the brain that often produces severe symptoms such as sudden headache, nausea, vomiting, and loss of consciousness. A rupture necessitates prompt medical treatment to ensure the safety of the patient and reduce the risk of long-term brain damage or death.

Who is at risk of developing a brain aneurysm?

People who have a family history of brain aneurysms, specific genetic factors, or certain lifestyle habits such as smoking may be at a higher risk of developing a brain aneurysm. However, having risk factors does not ensure that a brain aneurysm will occur, just as not having risk factors does not guarantee protection against it.

What is recovery like after brain aneurysm treatment?

Recovery processes following brain aneurysm treatment vary based on the treatment method and whether the aneurysm was ruptured. Recovery times are generally faster for the treatment of unruptured aneurysms. Patients who require surgical approaches to treat their aneurysm may need physical therapy as a part of their recovery process following the procedure.

Can brain aneurysms be prevented?

There isn’t a solution to guarantee the prevention of brain aneurysms, but there are actions to take to help reduce the risk. They include:

• Reducing high blood pressure
• Stopping smoking
• Limiting alcohol consumption
• Maintaining a healthy diet
• Engaging in regular physical activity

Can a brain aneurysm recur after treatment?

While treatments like flow diversion, microsurgical clipping, and endovascular coiling are effective at preventing ruptures, in rare cases, aneurysms can recur, or new ones can develop. Therefore, regular follow-ups and continued imaging are crucial to aneurysm management.

Trust Expert Brain Aneurysm Care at Centers for Neurosurgery, Spine & Orthopedics

The dedicated surgical and non-surgical team at Centers for Neurosurgery, Spine, and Orthopedics understands the impact a brain aneurysm can have on patients and their families. By working with leading board-certified neurosurgeons, orthopedic spine surgeons, physicians, physiatrists, rehabilitation specialists, and certified physical therapists, patients throughout northern New Jersey are assured appropriate care. To learn more about brain aneurysm diagnosis and treatment, contact Centers for Neurosurgery, Spine & Orthopedics today.