Dr Oz Brain Aneurysms
Dr. Oz stresses the seriousness of a condition affecting 5% of the population and strikes more women than men. One-half of those who experience a ruptured aneurysm die.
Learn to detect the signs of this silent killer because Dr Oz helps us to understand brain aneurysms, and says that one half everyone who has an aneurysm that ruptures will die, and the rest will have some degree of impairment.
Click Here! Dr. Oz Prevent A Brain Aneurysm In Case You Missed It Jan. 25th. 2011.
Dr Oz What Is A Cerebral Aneurysm
Approximately 5% of the population may have or develop an aneurysm; of those, 20% have multiple aneurysms. Unruptured aneurysms are more common (2.7 million per year) than ruptured (20,000 per year) (1). However, 85% of aneurysms are not diagnosed until after they rupture. Aneurysms are usually diagnosed between ages 35 to 60 and are more common in women. Brain aneurisms, or “widow makers”, usually strike women, this is likely due to estrogen which softens the artery walls.
An aneurysm or aneurism — Aneurysms most commonly occur in arteries at the base of the brain (the circle of Willis) and in the aorta (the main artery coming out of the heart, a so-called aortic aneurysm). As the size of an aneurysm increases, there is an increased risk of rupture, which can result in severe hemorrhage, other complications or even death.
Dr Oz Symptoms Of An Unruptured Aneurysm
An aneurysm is a balloon-like bulge or weakening of an arterial wall. As the bulge grows it becomes thinner and weaker. It can become so thin that the blood pressure within it can cause it to burst or leak. Most aneurysms develop from a weakness or abnormal artery wall. Aneurysms usually occur on larger blood vessels where an artery branches. Approximately 80% of aneurysms form in the front (anterior circulation) of the brain, while 20% form in the back (posterior circulation) of the brain.
Types of aneurysms include:
Saccular - (most common, also called “berry”) the aneurysm bulges from one side of the artery and has a distinct neck at its base.
How Are Cerebral Aneurysms Treated
Not all cerebral aneurysms burst. Some people with very small aneurysms may be monitored to detect any growth or onset of symptoms and to ensure aggressive treatment of coexisting medical problems and risk factors. Each case is unique, and considerations for treating an unruptured aneurysm include the type, size, and location of the aneurysm; risk of rupture; the individual’s age, health, and personal and family medical history; and risk of treatment.
Microvascular clipping involves cutting off the flow of blood to the aneurysm. Under anesthesia, a section of the skull is removed and the aneurysm is located. The neurosurgeon uses a microscope to isolate the blood vessel that feeds the aneurysm and places a small, metal, clothespin-like clip on the aneurysm’s neck, halting its blood supply.
Endovascular embolization is an alternative to surgery. Once the individual has been anesthetized, the doctor inserts a hollow plastic tube (a catheter) into an artery (usually in the groin) and threads it, using angiography, through the body to the site of the aneurysm.
Fusiform – the aneurysm bulges in all directions and has no distinct neck.
Giant – may be saccular or fusiform and measures more than 2.5 cm in diameter; the neck is often wide and may involve more than one artery.
Traumatic - caused by a closed head injury or penetrating trauma to the brain.
Vision trouble — Double vision
Dilated pupils
Speech problems
Pain above and behind the eye
Newly unexplained headaches (rare)
Impairment or loss of balance or coordination
Dr Oz Symptoms Of A Ruptured Aneurysm Or Subarachnoid Hemorrhage (SAH)
Symptoms Of A Rupture:
Called a Sentinel Bleed (more on Sentinel Bleed Below)
A small bleed, or sentinel bleed, will cause a minor headache.
Sudden onset of a severe headache (often described as “the worst headache of my life”)
Nausea and vomiting
Stiff neck
Transient loss of vision or consciousness
Most cerebral aneurysms do not show symptoms until they either become very large or burst. Small, unchanging aneurysms generally will not produce symptoms, whereas a larger aneurysm that is steadily growing may press on tissues and nerves. Symptoms may include pain above and behind the eye; numbness, weakness, or paralysis on one side of the face; dilated pupils; and vision changes.
When an aneurysm hemorrhages, an individual may experience a sudden and extremely severe headache, double vision, nausea, vomiting, stiff neck, and/or loss of consciousness. Individuals usually describe the headache as “the worst headache of my life” and it is generally different in severity and intensity from other headaches people may experience. “Sentinel” or warning headaches may result from an aneurysm that leaks for days to weeks prior to rupture. Only a minority of individuals have a sentinel headache prior to aneurysm rupture.
Other signs that a cerebral aneurysm has burst include nausea and vomiting associated with a severe headache, a drooping eyelid, sensitivity to light, and change in mental status or level of awareness. Some individuals may have seizures. Individuals may lose consciousness briefly or go into prolonged coma. People experiencing this “worst headache,” especially when it is combined with any other symptoms, should seek immediate medical attention.
Brain Aneurisms Warning Signs
Dr oz said A blown-out aneurysm will cause a “thunderclap” headache – the worst headache you have ever imagined and it’s almost always accompanied by nausea and vomiting. If you experience a headache like this, go to the ER immediately, because every second counts.
When the aneurysm grows and puts pressure on the brain and pops, it pushes the brain down into the brain stem area, down where the the spinal cord area is and is called a herniation. The tears that occur rips the brain, in the demonstration Dr Oz show us how bits of the brain are spilled out from inside the skull where it’s supposed to be.
In some cases your vision may change. This is because of the artery system at the base of the skull (Circle of Willis). These arteries are right next to the optic nerve. If the brain bleeds or a blood vessel expands in that location, it can affect sight.
When a blood vessel in the brain breaks it leaks blood all around it. This causes the other blood vessels to shrink and get irritated.
How Are Cerebral Aneurysms Diagnosed
Most cerebral aneurysms go unnoticed until they rupture or are detected by brain imaging that may have been obtained for another condition. Several diagnostic methods are available to provide information about the aneurysm and the best form of treatment. The tests are usually obtained after a subarachnoid hemorrhage, to confirm the diagnosis of an aneurysm.
1. Angiography is a dye test used to analyze the arteries or veins
2. Computed tomography (CT) of the head is a fast, painless, noninvasive diagnostic tool that can reveal the presence of a cerebral aneurysm and determine, for those aneurysms that have burst, if blood has leaked into the brain. This is often the first diagnostic procedure ordered by a physician following suspected rupture.
3. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) uses computer-generated radio waves and a powerful magnetic field to produce detailed images of the brain and other body structures. Magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) produces more detailed images of blood vessels.
4. Cerebrospinal fluid analysis may be ordered if a ruptured aneurysm is suspected. Following application of a local anesthetic, a small amount of this fluid (which protects the brain and spinal cord) is removed from the subarachnoid space — located between the spinal cord and the membranes that surround it—by surgical needle and tested to detect any bleeding or brain hemorrhage. In individuals with suspected subarachnoid hemorrhage, this procedure is usually done in a hospital.
