intracranial berry aneurysm 4

Intracranial Berry Aneurysm: A Bulge in a Weak Area of the Blood Vessel

A brain (cerebral) aneurysm is a bulge in a weak area of a blood vessel in or around your brain. Most aneurysms are small and don't cause issues [4]. This type of aneurysm is also known as a berry aneurysm, which is the most common type of intracranial aneurysm, representing 90% of cerebral aneurysms [2].

Characteristics

• A bulge in a weak area of a blood vessel
• Most are small and don't cause issues
• Can vary in size from a few millimeters to several centimeters

Types

• Saccular (berry) aneurysm: the most common type, which looks like a berry on a narrow stem [7]
• Fusiform aneurysm: a long, thin bulge in the blood vessel
• Microaneurysm: a small, tiny bulge in the blood vessel

References

[2] Berry (saccular) aneurysms are the most common type of intracranial aneurysm, representing 90% of cerebral aneurysms. [4] A brain (cerebral) aneurysm is a bulge in a weak area of a blood vessel in or around your brain. Most aneurysms are small and don't cause issues. [7] A berry aneurysm, which looks like a berry on a narrow stem, is the most common type of brain aneurysm. They make up 90 percent of all brain aneurysms.

Common Signs and Symptoms of Intracranial Berry Aneurysm

Intracranial berry aneurysms, also known as saccular aneurysms, are a type of brain aneurysm that can cause various symptoms depending on their size and location. Here are some common signs and symptoms associated with intracranial berry aneurysms:

• No Symptoms: Many people with intracranial berry aneurysms do not experience any symptoms at all, especially if the aneurysm is small.
• Headaches: Headaches can be a symptom of an intracranial berry aneurysm, especially if it is large or leaking blood. The headaches can be severe and may be accompanied by nausea or vomiting.
• Vision Changes: Some people with intracranial berry aneurysms may experience changes in their vision, such as double vision or blurred vision.
• Numbness or Weakness: Numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg can also be a symptom of an intracranial berry aneurysm.
• Droopy Eyelid: A droopy eyelid (ptosis) can be a sign of an intracranial berry aneurysm that is pressing on nerves in the brain.

It's essential to note that not everyone with an intracranial berry aneurysm will experience symptoms, and some people may have multiple aneurysms without any symptoms at all. If you suspect you or someone else has an intracranial berry aneurysm, it's crucial to seek medical attention immediately.

References:

• [4] A saccular aneurysm is also known as a “berry aneurysm” because it looks like a berry that hangs from a vine. ... Unruptured brain aneurysm symptoms. ... you may not have any symptoms. Signs ...
• [10] The symptoms and warning signs of a brain aneurysm vary based on whether it has ruptured or not. ... or “berry,” aneurysms. This type forms a sac outside the artery that looks like a berry ...
• [12] There are two main types of brain aneurysms -- saccular (berry) aneurysms and fusiform aneurysms. The most common type of aneurysm is saccular. Saccular or berry aneurysms look like a sack and are usually formed at the bifurcation or “Y” formation when a larger vessel splits into two vessels.
• [13] Berry (saccular) aneurysms are the most common type of intracranial aneurysm, representing 90% of cerebral aneurysms. Generally speaking, ballooning arises from a weakened area in the wall of a blood vessel in the brain. Depending on the size of the aneurysm, their symptomatology ranges from asymptomatic to intracerebral hemorrhage (subarachnoid) in the most extreme cases. Berry aneurysm is an ...

Diagnostic Tests for Intracranial Berry Aneurysms

Intracranial berry aneurysms can be diagnosed using various imaging tests and clinical exams.

• Computed Tomography (CT) Scan: This is often the first test a physician will order to determine if blood has leaked into the brain. CT scans use X-rays to produce cross-sectional images of the brain, which can help detect bleeding or other abnormalities [4].
• Cerebral Angiogram: A cerebral angiogram is a diagnostic procedure that evaluates the blood vessels of the brain to look for blockages or abnormalities, such as aneurysms. This test involves inserting a catheter into an artery and injecting a contrast agent to visualize the blood vessels [8].
• Clinical Exam: A clinical exam may show abnormal eye movement, speech, strength, or sensation, which can indicate the presence of an intracranial berry aneurysm. The following tests may be used to diagnose an intracranial or subarachnoid hemorrhage: CT (computed tomography) scan, MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), and digital subtraction angiography (DSA) [9].

It's worth noting that while these diagnostic tests can help identify intracranial berry aneurysms, they may not always detect small or asymptomatic aneurysms. Therefore, a combination of clinical evaluation and imaging studies is often necessary to make an accurate diagnosis.

References: [4] - Computed tomography (CT) scan: This is often the first test a physician will order to determine if blood has leaked into the brain. [8] - A cerebral angiogram is a diagnostic procedure that evaluates the blood vessels of the brain to look for blockages or abnormalities, such as aneurysms. [9] - The following tests may be used to diagnose an intracranial or subarachnoid hemorrhage: CT (computed tomography) scan, MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), and digital subtraction angiography (DSA).

Treatment Options for Intracranial Berry Aneurysms

Intracranial berry aneurysms can be treated with various medications to prevent rupture and complications. Here are some of the treatment options:

• Antiseizure medications: These medications, such as phenytoin or levetiracetam, can help prevent seizures related to a ruptured aneurysm [4].
• Calcium channel blockers: These medications, such as nimodipine (Nymalize), can help reduce the risk of delayed brain injury caused by insufficient blood flow [1].

It's worth noting that while medication can be used to treat intracranial berry aneurysms, surgery is often necessary to prevent rupture and complications. The main goal of treatment is to prevent a rupture, which can lead to severe bleeding in the brain.

References: [1] Mar 7, 2023 — One of these medicines, nimodipine (Nymalize), has been shown to reduce the risk of delayed brain injury caused by insufficient blood flow. [4] Antiseizure medications: These medications can help prevent seizures related to a ruptured aneurysm.

Differential Diagnoses for Intracranial Berry Aneurysms

Intracranial berry aneurysms, also known as saccular aneurysms, can be challenging to diagnose due to their similarity in presentation with other conditions. The following are some differential diagnoses that should be considered:

• Arteriovenous Malformation (AVM): AVMs are abnormal connections between arteries and veins that can cause similar symptoms to berry aneurysms.
• Hypertensive Intra-cerebral Hemorrhage: High blood pressure can lead to bleeding in the brain, which may be mistaken for a berry aneurysm.
• Cerebral Venous Sinus Thrombosis: A blood clot in the cerebral veins or sinuses can cause symptoms similar to those of a berry aneurysm.

These conditions should be considered in the differential diagnosis of intracranial berry aneurysms, and further investigation with imaging techniques such as CT or MR angiography may be necessary to confirm the diagnosis.

References:

• [9] Cerebral aneurysm images. Differentials. Arteriovenous malformation; Hypertensive intra-cerebral haemorrhage; Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis.
• [10] Diagnosis typically involves imaging techniques such as CT or MR angiography and lumbar puncture to detect subarachnoid hemorrhage.