What is an anurism?

Question

I might have an anurism located in the middle of my brain. I really need to know everything I can about this. Any cures, treatments, alternative diagnosis? please help me.

My doctor did explain a lot to me but because she's not sure, she didn't want to go into a lot of detail. the first opinion on my MRA and MRI were that it could either be a loop or an anurism (sp?). She said it was rare for someone my age (13) and that it's probably nothing. I went in originally for migraines related to stress and they found this. She recomended to wait a year to see if it enlarges. Another option was to use a cathater (sp? again) to actually see where the blood is flowing through my brain to rule out a loop. So right now I'm just waiting for a second opinion from a doctor. We'll see where it goes from there.

Answer 1

An aneurysm is a permanent ballooning in the wall of an artery. The pressure of blood passing through can force part of a weakened artery to bulge outward, forming a thin-skinned blister.

Although any weak blood vessel can be affected, aneurysms usually form in the abdominal or thoracic portions of the aorta, the main blood vessel that carries blood from the heart, or in arteries nourishing the brain. Aneurysms in any of these places are serious, while those in more peripheral locations such as the leg are often less hazardous.
The gravest threat an aneurysm poses is that it will burst and cause a stroke or life-threatening massive bleeding (hemorrhage). If an aneurysm ruptures, the patient must be treated within minutes in order to have a chance of survival.

Early diagnosis and treatment are critical. Because aneurysms often produce either no symptoms or mild symptoms, routine examinations are strongly encouraged so that a doctor can regularly test for warning signs of a more serious problem. Even if it doesn't rupture, a large aneurysm can impede circulation and contribute to the formation of blood clots.

The only way to get rid of an aneurysm is to have it surgically removed -- often a risky procedure, but highly effective when successful. Sometimes, however, surgery is impossible, or it may pose more danger than the aneurysm. Careful monitoring and drug therapy may then be the best course.
Your doctor will probably determine the size, type and location of an aneurysm using any of various imaging techniques. This information will help determine the best course of treatment.

For inoperable aneurysms, you may be prescribed drugs that lower your blood pressure or reduce the force of your heart's contractions, thereby minimizing the risk of a rupture. But even for an operable aneurysm, your doctor may first try drug therapy and advise a wait-and-see approach, with periodic testing to track the aneurysm's growth.

You may need surgery if your doctor finds that the aneurysm has become dangerously swollen. A surgeon can neutralize an aneurysm by inserting a clip that cuts off blood flow to the affected area. An aneurysm may also be removed and the section of artery replaced with a synthetic graft.

Alternative Choices

The following treatments -- all primarily intended to prevent aneurysms -- should be pursued along with, not instead of, your doctor's orders.

Mind/Body Medicine: Keeping your mind and body relaxed may prevent an aneurysm from worsening. Try stress-relieving exercises that you can do at home such as yoga or meditation.

Answer 2

The first answer is incorrect, I believe she is thinking of an embolus. Partial knowledge masquerading as expert.

An aneurysm is a ballooning of a blood vessel where the wall of it is weak. In the vessels that supply the brain, most are in a configuration called sacular, or berry aneurysms, so named because they are rounded, look like a berry. Another configuration of aneurysm is the fusiform aneurysm, typically in the aorta, where the entire vessel becomes enlarged over a large area.

The good news is that there has never been a better time in history to have an intracranial aneurysm. So much has been learned about how to deal with them, leaving little or no damage. Also part of the good news is that they have found it before rupture.

Advice: have a family member go to the doctor with you to help ask questions and remember the responses. Be persistent, and keep asking questions until all your trepidations have been addressed.

Answer 3

Except for the first answer, the other's are correct. What none seemed to have mentioned is that, where there is a danger of the aneurism bursting, a small cut can be made further along the artery and a small strengthening piece of tubing pushed or pulled to the site of the aneurism to help the problem. This is usually done, where appropriate, where the site of an aneurism presents an extreme health hazard.

Answer 4

An aneurism is a weakening in an atrery wall, that causes the artery to bulge. My mother-in-law had what is called a Berry Aneurism( it was located at the back of her brain). She had to have surgery to fix it. If your doctor did not explain everything to you maybe you should consider a 2nd opinion. I found this websight helpful when we were dealing with my mom-in-law. http:\\clevelandclinic.com
I hope this helps some! Good luck, and God bless!

Answer 5

Sorry to hear your news, can I suggest that you do not take aspirin until you have spoken to your GP, if heaven forbid your anuerism does start to bleed aspirin which thins your blood will complicate matters immensely. Your Gp would hv etold you to take aspirin if they thought it would be of benefit.

I take aspirin everyday as I am at risk of a stroke from a heart condition. If you are told to take it buy the mini ones 75mg enteric coated as they are easier on your stomach


Good luck hope you get sorted out soon.

Answer 6

try typing in the word anurism into search bar and reading up on it this might be a good idea has your doctor not explained things to you?

Answer 7

This is basically a blood clot. Hope you are consulting the appropriate specialist. The operation if you shold need one is called trepanning,which is basically drilling a hole into the skull and draining the clot.

First things first don,t imagine things find out for certain and in the meantime don't worry.

God Bless

Father Graham

Answer 8

Aneurysm; a balloon like swelling in the wall of an artery, due to disease or congenital deficiency, they are the main cause of cerebral haemorrhage, (stroke).
There are treatments and I am sure your doctor will advise you of the best course of action.
Best Wishes.

Answer 9

my friend nad one of those ,imagine that you have a hose pipe an the tap is on ,then you get a small blockage it goes like a bubble that is what a anurisum is they can operate,they give warnings on all procedures, it is treatable,as well if you are not having any pain then i wouldnt worry too much about it at the moment, but i can reasure you it is treatable, just type in the word on your seach bar and it will give you all the nessasary info you need....

Answer 10

it is were there is an abnormal blood filled swelling on a vein or artery that comes from a localised weakness in the wall of the blood vessel and some times it requires surgery.