What is Brain Aneurysm Surgery? Causes, Symptoms, Treatment of Brain Aneurysm Surgery
Neurosurgeon, Jaslok Hospital, 31 years of experience
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Brain Aneurysm Surgery
Brain Aneurysm Surgery is a surgical procedure used to treat a bulging blood vessel of the brain (brain aneurysm) which has or is about to burst. Rupture of a brain aneurysm leads to subarachnoid hemorrhage which means bleeding in the area between the brain and its surrounding membrane. A brain aneurysm is a life-threatening condition that can lead to extensive brain damage and disability.
Rupturing of a brain aneurysm depends on:
- Size of the aneurysm (less than 7 mm are less likely to rupture)
- Location of the aneurysm
- Your age
- Family history
- Underlying health conditions
Let us tell you in detail about the brain aneurysm in today’s article.
- What are the symptoms of a Brain Aneurysm?
- Factors increasing the risk of Brain Aneurysm
- Preparation before Brain Aneurysm Surgery
- What is the Procedure of Brain Aneurysm Surgery?
- Care After Brain Aneurysm Surgery
- What are the Risks of Brain Aneurysm Surgery?
- What is the Cost of Brain Aneurysm Surgery in India?
What are the symptoms of a Brain Aneurysm?
The majority of brain aneurysms do not rupture and do not show symptoms. Hence, they can go unnoticed. These unruptured aneurysms are often detected during tests for other conditions.
Most brain aneurysms cause symptoms only once they burst. These include:
- Sudden severe headache is described as the worst type of headache one has experienced. Also referred to as “thunderclap headache” ( Know more about- Some best home remedies for Migraine )
- Stiff neck
- Nausea and vomiting
- Pain near or behind the eyes
- Blurred vision/ double vision
- Numbness
A ruptured brain aneurysm can cause subarachnoid hemorrhage and about 3 out of 5 of these patients die within 2 weeks. And half of those who survive to suffer from severe brain damage.
Factors increasing the risk of Brain Aneurysm:
- Family history
- High blood pressure
- Severe head injury ( Know more about- What is Brain Injury? )
- Smoking
Preparation before Brain Aneurysm Surgery
Before brain aneurysm surgery, the doctor may perform some of the following tests:
- Firstly, the doctor performs a physical examination of the patient for an accurate diagnosis of the cause of the aneurysm. It is crucial to give details of past medical history and medications to the doctor.
- CT scan
- MRI
- Cerebral angiogram
What is the Procedure of Brain Aneurysm Surgery?
A brain aneurysm can be treated in two ways. These include endovascular coiling and surgical clipping. The technique used depends on the size, location, and shape of the aneurysm. The Procedure of Brain Aneurysm includes:
- Endovascular coiling – In this process, a thin tube called a catheter is inserted, usually, through the groin region up into the brain and eventually into the aneurysm. A contrast material is injected through the catheter which helps to view the arteries and the aneurysm. Tiny platinum coils are directed through the catheter to coil up inside the aneurysm. Blood cannot enter once the aneurysm is full of coils. This disrupts the blood flow that leads to blood clots. Thus sealing the aneurysm from the main artery. Sometimes, stents are also inserted to hold the coils in place and ensure that the blood vessel stays open. Endovascular coiling is less invasive. ( Know more about- What is Electroconvulsive Therapy? )
- Surgical clipping – It is done under general anesthesia. In this procedure, a small section of the skull is removed to detect the aneurysm and the blood vessels that supply it. Then a small metal clip is placed on the neck of the aneurysm to stop the blood supply. The aneurysm is sealed permanently. The section of the skull initially removed is replaced and the scalp is stitched together. The blood vessel lining will eventually heal along the line where the metal clip is placed, thereby permanently sealing the aneurysm and preventing its growth or rupture in the future.
There are many top hospitals and neurosurgeons in India where brain surgeries and Skull Base surgery is done with great success.
Care After Brain Aneurysm Surgery
It takes 3-6 weeks after the surgery to recover fully. Bleeding aneurysms may take longer. Recovery is comparatively quicker from coiling than clipping. After brain aneurysm surgery, the patient is shifted to the recovery room where a doctor regularly monitors his condition. The patient usually stays in the hospital for 2-6 days.
After this, the doctors permit to go home along with some instructions as follows:
- The patient should take special care of himself and get enough rest and sleep.
- Fatigue is a common side effect so make sure to have help at home.
- The medicines prescribed by the doctor should be consumed at the right time.
- Make sure to regularly attend follow-up visits.
- A CT scan and MRI may be done on a follow-up to ensure that there are no other concerns.
- Avoid strenuous activity for a few months.
- If you experience any issues lots should immediately contact your doctor.
What are the Risks of Brain Aneurysm Surgery?
All surgical procedures have a possibility of some risks. The risks involved in brain aneurysm surgery are:
- Difficulty breathing
- Blood clot
- Bleeding
- Infections
- Brain swelling
- Seizures ( Know more about- What is Epilepsy? )
- Stroke
- Confusion
- Problems in vision
- Speech problems ( Know more about- What is Speech Therapy? )
- Loss of coordination
- Behavioral changes
- Weakness
What is the Cost of Brain Aneurysm Surgery in India?
The total cost of brain aneurysm surgery in India can range from around INR 4,00,000 to INR 6,00,000.
If you are coming from abroad, in addition to the cost of brain aneurysm surgery, there will be an additional cost of accommodation and food, the cost of local travel, etc. After the surgery, the patient has to stay in the hospital for a few days, and post that patient is advised to stay in the hotel for a few days for complete recovery. So, the total cost of brain aneurysm surgery comes from around INR 7,00,000 to INR 8,00,000.
We hope that we could answer your questions regarding Brain Aneurysm Surgery through this article.
If you want more information and treatment of Brain Aneurysm Surgery, you can contact a Neurosurgeon.
We only aim to give you information through this article. We do not recommend medication, treatment in any way. Only a doctor can give you the best advice.
