Brain Aneurysm & Arteriovenous Malformations

Brain Aneurysms and Arteriovenous Malformations (AVMs) are serious conditions involving the blood vessels in the brain. Both can lead to life-threatening bleeding (hemorrhage) if not diagnosed and treated promptly.

• A Brain Aneurysm is a weak, bulging area in a brain artery that can leak or rupture, causing sudden bleeding in or around the brain (subarachnoid hemorrhage).

• An Arteriovenous Malformation (AVM) is an abnormal tangle of arteries and veins that disrupts normal blood flow and can rupture, leading to bleeding in the brain.

Advances in neurosurgery and neuro-interventional techniques now allow for early detection and effective treatment, significantly reducing the risks associated with these conditions.

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Brain Aneurysms

Causes & Risk Factors

Aneurysms develop due to thinning or weakening of artery walls. Contributing factors include:

• High blood pressure

• Smoking

• Family history of aneurysms

• Atherosclerosis (hardening of arteries)

• Traumatic brain injury

• Certain inherited connective tissue disorders (e.g., Marfan or Ehlers-Danlos syndrome)

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Symptoms

Many aneurysms remain silent until they leak or rupture.
Unruptured Aneurysm Symptoms (if large or pressing on nearby nerves):

• Headache or eye pain

• Double or blurred vision

• Drooping eyelid

• Weakness or numbness in the face

Ruptured Aneurysm Symptoms:

• Sudden, severe “worst headache of my life”

• Nausea and vomiting

• Stiff neck

• Sensitivity to light

• Seizures

• Loss of consciousness

A ruptured aneurysm is a medical emergency that requires immediate intervention.

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Arteriovenous Malformations (AVMs)

Causes

Most AVMs are congenital (present at birth), though the exact cause is unknown. They are often discovered incidentally or after a rupture.

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Symptoms

Symptoms depend on the AVM’s location and size:

• Headaches

• Seizures

• Weakness, numbness, or paralysis in part of the body

• Vision or speech difficulties

• Sudden neurological decline due to bleeding

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Diagnosis

Early and accurate diagnosis is crucial for effective management.

Common diagnostic tools include:

• CT Scan: Quick detection of bleeding in emergencies

• MRI: Detailed imaging of brain tissue and vascular malformations

• CT/MR Angiography: Visualizes blood vessels to identify aneurysms or AVMs

• Cerebral Angiography: A gold-standard test to map blood vessel structure before treatment

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Treatment Options

For Brain Aneurysms

1. Endovascular Coiling:
   A minimally invasive procedure where tiny coils are inserted through a catheter into the aneurysm to block blood flow and prevent rupture.

2. Surgical Clipping:
   A neurosurgeon places a small clip at the neck of the aneurysm to stop blood from entering it.

3. Flow-Diverter Stents:
   Used for certain aneurysms to redirect blood flow away from the weak area.

For AVMs

1. Microsurgical Removal (Resection):
   Surgical removal of the AVM for accessible lesions.

2. Endovascular Embolization:
   A catheter-based procedure in which materials are injected into the AVM to block abnormal blood flow.

3. Stereotactic Radiosurgery (Gamma Knife / CyberKnife):
   A focused, high-dose radiation treatment to shrink or close small AVMs over time.

Often, a multimodal approach—combining two or more of these treatments—is used for best results.

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Recovery and Aftercare

• Hospital Stay: Varies depending on the procedure and the patient’s condition (typically a few days to two weeks for ruptured cases).

• Rehabilitation: Physical therapy, speech therapy, or occupational therapy may be needed for patients recovering from hemorrhage or surgery.

• Lifestyle Adjustments: Controlling blood pressure, avoiding smoking, and following a healthy lifestyle to prevent recurrence.

• Regular Follow-Up: Imaging tests and clinical evaluations to ensure long-term safety and monitor for recurrence.

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Why Choose Us

• Specialized Expertise: Extensive experience in managing complex brain aneurysms and AVMs, including ruptured emergencies.

• Advanced Endovascular & Microsurgical Techniques: State-of-the-art facilities for minimally invasive and precision-guided treatments.

• Comprehensive Emergency Care: 24/7 readiness for urgent intervention to save lives and reduce neurological damage.

• Multidisciplinary Approach: Collaboration among neurosurgeons, neuro-interventional radiologists, critical care specialists, and rehabilitation experts.

• Patient-Centered Care: Compassionate guidance for patients and families from diagnosis through recovery.