Aneurysm (Intracranial Berry)

Definition

Definition of Aneurysm (Intracranial Berry)
An intracranial berry aneurysm, also known as a saccular aneurysm, is a sac-like outpouching in a cerebral blood vessel, which can seem berry-shaped, hence the name. Once a berry aneurysm has formed it is likely to rupture, causing a stroke. Thus they are serious medical emergencies, and should be treated as soon as possible.

Intracranial berry aneurysms are the most common kind of aneurysm in the brain. Their incidence is 1 in 10000 people per year (around 27,000 cases per year in the United States). They have a mortality rate of 70–90%.

Symptoms

Symptoms of Aneurysm (Intracranial Berry)
Most intracranial berry aneurysms do not show any symptoms unless they have ruptured, which causes bleeding in the brain. Small aneurysms that maintain their size generally will not show symptoms. But larger aneurysms that are steadily growing can put pressure on nerves and tissues. Signs of an aneurysm that has not ruptured include (but are not limited to):

1. Headaches
2. Double vision (Diplopia)
3. Loss of vision
4. Eye and neck pain
5. Sentinel or warning headaches. These are headaches that are caused by leakage of blood into the brain for days up to weeks prior to the aneurysm's rupture (only a small percentage of patients experience a sentinel headache before rupture).

Causes

Causes of Aneurysm (Intracranial Berry)
Consult with your doctor.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of Aneurysm (Intracranial Berry)
Once suspected, berry aneurysms can be diagnosed using angiography, Magnetic Resonance Imaging, CT scans, and Cerebrospinal fluid analysis.

Treatment

Treatment of Aneurysm (Intracranial Berry)
If an unruptured aneurysm has been discovered in the brain of a patient, there are surgical procedures that can treat the aneurysm. One of them is Micro-Vascular Clipping, where the surgeon goes into the brain and cuts off blood flow to the aneurysm. Once this surgery is performed, the clip remains in the patient and prevents any future bleeding. It has been proven to be highly effective, because most aneurysms that are clipped do not return.

Prognosis

Prognosis of Aneurysm (Intracranial Berry)
People who have been diagnosed with a berry aneurysm, or any kind of aneurysm, should take steps to control high blood pressure, including smoking cessation and avoidance of cocaine and other drugs that elevate blood pressure.

Prevention

Prevention of Aneurysm (Intracranial Berry)
Consult with your doctor.