Introduction:
Neurowellness, a leading neuro and endovascular care clinic, is dedicated to providing comprehensive care for patients with brain and spine conditions. Today, we’ll delve into a critical topic: Endovascular Treatment for Cerebral Aneurysms, and share insights from Dr. Ganesh Veerabhadraiah, a renowned neurosurgeon and neuroendovascular specialist.
Join us as we explore cerebral aneurysms and their treatment options. Learn about the latest advancements in treating brain aneurysms with minimally invasive procedures.
What are Cerebral Aneurysms?
Cerebral aneurysms, often referred to as brain aneurysms, are abnormal bulges or weak spots in the wall of a blood vessel in the brain. Think of them as tiny balloons filled with blood, which can develop and grow over time. While they may initially go unnoticed, these silent threats have the potential to rupture, leading to life-threatening conditions such as hemorrhagic strokes.
Symptoms of a Ruptured Cerebral Aneurysm
While unruptured aneurysms may not cause any noticeable symptoms, a ruptured one can trigger a medical emergency. Here are some warning signs to be aware of:
- – Sudden and severe headache (the worst headache of your life)
- – Nausea and vomiting
- – Stiffness in the neck
- – Vision problems (blurred vision, drooping eyelid)
- – Confusion or loss of consciousness
- – Seizures
If you experience any of these symptoms, seeking immediate medical attention is crucial. Early diagnosis and treatment significantly improve the chances of a positive outcome.
Treatment Options for Cerebral Aneurysms
Fortunately, advancements in medical technology offer effective treatment options for cerebral aneurysms. The two main approaches are:
- Endovascular Treatment: A minimally invasive procedure performed by a neurosurgeon trained in neuro endovascular procedures or neurologist/ radiologist after obtaining training can perform endovascular procedures.
- Brain Aneurysm Clipping Surgery: A traditional surgical approach performed by a neurosurgeon.
Endovascular Treatment: A Minimally Invasive Approach
Endovascular treatment offers a less invasive alternative to traditional surgery for suitable patients. Unlike conventional open surgery, which involves craniotomy and direct access to the brain, endovascular treatment for cerebral aneurysms utilizes a catheter-based approach to repair aneurysms from within the blood vessels themselves. Here’s a breakdown of the procedure:
- Catheter Insertion: A thin, flexible tube (catheter) is inserted into an artery in the groin and guided through the blood vessels using real-time X-ray imaging (fluoroscopy).
- Coil Placement: Tiny, soft platinum coils are passed through the catheter and carefully positioned within the aneurysm.
- Coil Embolization: The coils create a clot within the aneurysm, diverting blood flow away from the weakened area and promoting its closure.
- Flow diverter – can place stent like device across the aneurysm to seal the weak spot in the blood vessel
- Intrasaccular device- can be placed inside the aneurysm to seal weak spot of the vessel to prevent the rupture.
- AVM – arterio venous malformation – embolisation with glue will be done to seal the AVM.
Benefits of Endovascular Treatment:
- Minimally invasive, leading to a shorter recovery time and smaller incisions.
- Performed under general anesthesia or light sedation, reducing recovery discomfort.
- May be suitable for patients who are not considered ideal candidates for open brain surgery due to underlying health conditions.
Brain Aneurysm Clipping Surgery
Brain aneurysm clipping surgery is a traditional surgical approach that involves accessing the aneurysm through an incision in the scalp and skull. The surgeon then places a small metal clip at the base of the aneurysm to block blood flow and prevent rupture.
While clipping remains an effective option, it’s generally considered more invasive than endovascular treatment.
Benefits of Brain Aneurysm Clipping Surgery:
- Direct access to the aneurysm for precise clipping and closure.
- Long-term durability, with lower rates of aneurysm recurrence compared to endovascular treatment in certain cases.
- Did You Know? This traditional invasive surgical procedure requires craniotomy and leads to longer hospital stays. Moreover, sometimes, there is a higher risk of complications such as infection or damage to surrounding brain tissue.
When is Endovascular Treatment Preferred? Should You Choose Clipping or Coiling?
Choosing between endovascular treatment and surgical clipping hinges on various factors such as aneurysm size, location, and overall patient health. It’s not a one-size-fits-all situation.
Let’s take a look at the different factors involved:
- Aneurysm size and location: Some aneurysms may have complex shapes or locations that make clipping a better option.
- Patient health: Endovascular treatment may be preferred for patients with underlying medical conditions that increase surgical risks.
- Vascular anatomy: The surrounding blood vessels near the aneurysm can influence the feasibility of each approach.
If you want to know the best treatment method for you-Consulting a specialized neurovascular expert is essential for personalized recommendations tailored to individual circumstances.
Take Action: Schedule an Appointment with NeuroWellness
Brain aneurysms are balloon-like bulges that form in weakened areas of arteries supplying blood to the brain. Affecting roughly 5% of the population (fewer than 1 million cases per year in India), these aneurysms often go undetected until they rupture, causing a hemorrhagic stroke – a life-threatening bleeding event in the brain.
However, advancements like endovascular treatment offer minimally invasive and effective treatment options for their management. Early diagnosis and timely intervention are key to preventing complications and ensuring a positive outcome. If you have concerns about brain aneurysms or suspect you might be at risk, schedule an appointment with a neurovascular specialist for a comprehensive evaluation and personalized treatment plan.
Additionally, NeuroWellness offers online consultation options for those seeking initial guidance on their endovascular treatment for cerebral aneurysms. Book yours today!