What is a brain aneurysm?
A cerebral or brain aneurysm refers to an abnormal swelling or bulging in the blood vessels of the brain. This occurs when blood pools and presses on the weak areas in the wall of blood vessels.Brain aneurysms can occur at any location; however, they mostly occur at the base of the brain as the major arteries branch out from each other. Most of the brain aneurysms remain undiagnosed and do not show any symptoms. However, if the aneurysm is substantial enough, it may exert pressure on the surrounding brain tissue and nerve endings. Excessive pressure can result in migraines, blurred vision, or pain in the area over or behind the eye. The major risk connected with a brain aneurysm is that it can burst and lead to hemorrhagic stroke. If proper treatment is not provided, the rupture could result in irreversible brain injury, serious neurological complications, or even death. We have the Best Brain Aneurysm Coiling Specialist in Vile Parle.
Types of surgery
Brain aneurysm surgery comes in two primary varieties.
- The most popular treatment is minimally invasive surgery called endovascular coiling. This is done by threading a catheter up an artery in the groin to the brain aneurysm. The surgeon then inserts microscopic platinum coils into the aneurysm to promote clotting and stop the flow of blood. The Best Brain Aneurysm Coiling Specialist in Vile Parle.
- Surgical clipping: This procedure requires general anesthesia. A neurosurgeon uses a tiny metal clip to cut off blood flow at the base of the aneurysm to prevent it from rupturing. Using this technique, the surgeon has to go into the brain through an open craniotomy, meaning a portion of the skull is removed. The clip is permanent, but the aneurysm decreases with time and leaves scars.
Preparing for brain aneurysm surgery
There are various phases involved in getting ready for brain aneurysm surgery:
- Medical assessment: The medical team conducts a full medical examination. Imaging methods, such as MRIs, CT scans, and angiographies, can be used to evaluate the size, location, and risk of rupture of an aneurysm.
- Medication: Some medicines, such as blood thinners, may need to be stopped before surgery. Doctors may also prescribe drugs to lower blood pressure or prevent seizures.
- Fasting: You will usually need to fast for a few hours or overnight before the procedure.
- Preoperative instructions: The medical team will give you detailed instructions on what to do during and after the procedure, including recuperation and after care. Contact us, as we have the Best Brain Aneurysm Coiling Specialist in Vile Parle.
Aftercare and Recovery
Recovery and aftercare following brain aneurysm surgery include:
- Hospital stay: You are monitored by the medical staff after the operation. After the endovascular procedure, patients usually stay in the hospital for up to one week. But if the aneurysm they treated has burst, they may spend two weeks in the hospital. This allows the team to watch for things like bleeding, stroke, or infection.
- Medication: Doctors may prescribe anticoagulants, painkillers, and drugs to prevent vasospasm or narrowing of blood vessels.
- Limitations on activities: It could take up to six weeks to recover at home. To prevent tension on the surgery site and lower the chance of problems, the patient should only engage in minimal physical activity during this time. Get professional guidance from the Best Brain Aneurysm Coiling Specialist in Vile Parle, Dr. Pradyumna Oak.