Spotlight on Brain Aneurysms: What you need to know for prevention, treatment

Hyderabad: In recent years, there has been a growing concern surrounding the incidence of brain aneurysms, a potentially life-threatening condition characterised by a ballooning of blood vessels in the brain.

While brain aneurysms have always been a medical challenge, their prevalence and severity seem to be on the rise, prompting increased attention from healthcare professionals and the public alike.

This trend has sparked discussions and efforts to understand the causes, improve diagnosis methods, and enhance treatment options for this debilitating condition.

Understanding brain aneurysms

What is a brain aneurysm?

A brain aneurysm, also known as a cerebral or intracranial aneurysm, is a weak spot in the wall of a blood vessel in the brain, causing it to balloon outwards. This bulge can vary in size and shape, and while some aneurysms may remain stable over time, others may rupture, leading to a potentially fatal condition known as a subarachnoid haemorrhage.

Causes and risk factors

The exact cause of brain aneurysms is not always clear, but certain factors may increase the risk of developing them. These include high blood pressure, smoking, drug abuse, family history of brain aneurysms, and certain genetic conditions such as polycystic kidney disease and connective tissue disorders like Ehlers-Danlos syndrome and Marfan syndrome.

A landmark case at Dehradun hospital

The case: Amid the rising concerns surrounding brain aneurysms, a case emerged at the Himalayan Hospital in Dehradun, where the neurosurgery team successfully treated the largest known case of brain aneurysm in India.

A 20-year-old boy presented with symptoms of headaches and intermittent vomiting, which led to the discovery of a massive aneurysm measuring 6.3 cm in size.

The treatment: Led by Dr Brijesh Tiwari, the neurosurgery team performed the world’s first successful clipping of a Supra Giant Aneurysm, a challenging procedure that required expert handling to avoid life-threatening complications.

Dr Tiwari, along with Dr Sanjeev Pandey and Dr Ranjit Kumar, successfully navigated the complexities of the surgery, ultimately saving the young patient’s life with no neurological deficits post-operation.

“The successful treatment of this case highlights the importance of timely diagnosis and expert medical intervention in managing brain aneurysms. While the rising prevalence of this condition poses challenges, advancements in medical technology and expertise offer hope for improved outcomes and better quality of life for those affected by brain aneurysms,” said Dr Tiwari.