Aneurysm
What is aneurysm?
An aneurysm is a bulge caused by the thinning and weakening of the wall of a blood vessel that ruptures within the vascular system at a certain stage of its existence. It mainly forms in the arteries of the aorta and the brain. The brain is supplied with blood by four major arteries that branch out and go to all areas of the brain. Aneurysms most commonly occur at the points of connection of these four arteries.
How is an aneurysm revealed?
An aneurysm usually proceeds asymptomatic because the swelling caused by it is small and does not disrupt the integrity of the blood vessel. Symptoms of an aneurysm include:
- Dilated pupil;
- Headache;
- Pain around the eye;
- Speech difficulties;
- Numbness on one side of the face;
- Impaired coordination and concentration.
What are the risk factors for the development of an aneurysm?
There are several risk factors for the development of an aneurysm. These factors include the following:
- High blood pressure;
- Traumatic damage to the blood vessel;
- Drugs, especially cocaine use;
- Smoking. Several studies have shown that most people with this condition are smokers or have used tobacco in the past. The risk of developing an aneurysm is increased by the harmful substances in tobacco;
- Heredity – in the case of heredity, it can be said that the risk is relatively small, but if a first-degree relative is ill, the risk of developing the disease is relatively high;
- Age – aneurysms are most common in people over the age of 40.
Modern treatment of an aneurysm - endovascular surgery
Endovascular surgery is a component of vascular surgery, which includes intravascular surgical treatment of vascular diseases.
The advantage of endovascular surgery is its rapid effect. Moreover, endovascular surgery does not require general anesthesia. During endovascular surgery, the patient is quickly discharged from hospital, and the rehabilitation period is relatively short.
During endovascular surgery, unlike traditional surgery, a surgical knife is not used, and there is no incision of tissues and bones of the skull during endovascular surgery, thus avoiding the impact on brain tissue and its damage.
