The size and shape of the blood vessels in your brain may help predict your risk of an often-fatal type of stroke, called an aneurysm, a new study finds.
Nearly half of those who have a burst brain aneurysm die. Only one-third will recover without disabilities, the study authors say.
Brain aneurysms cause almost 500,000 deaths worldwide each year, half of them in people under age 50, with women and at greater risk. Additionally, Blacks are twice as likely as whites to have a brain aneurysm rupture.
An aneurysm is a bulge in an artery wall.
"A subarachnoid hemorrhage is the most dangerous type of stroke and occurs when a brain aneurysm leaks or ruptures, causing bleeding into the brain, killing more than 50% of affected people," Dr. Arjun Burlakoti, a University of South Australia neuroanatomist says.
"Based on our findings, MRI and CT angiograms will determine whether people have asymmetrical brain arteries and, if so, they should be screened regularly for cerebral aneurysms," Burlakoti says.
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What causes aneurysms?
The brain images of people with aneurysms show that the four arteries that enter the brain box, divide into segments and supply blood to the brain, were not in proportion to each other.
This increases peaks in blood pressure and predisposes them to
ballooned blood vessels, Burlakoti explains.
Where the front part of the brain arterial network differs in left and right diameter ratio by up to 1.4, people have an 80% risk of developing aneurysms in that area, the most common location of ruptured aneurysms.
Those with symmetrical ratios below 1.4 have an 8% equivalent risk, the researchers note.
"A lot of small, unruptured aneurysms go undetected in commonly used imaging techniques. They may not be diagnosed until they grow sufficiently to cause symptoms or rupture, often when it is too late," Burlakoti adds.
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Symptoms of ruptured aneurysms
Because aneurysms often go undiagnosed until they rupture, it is important that you recognize the symptoms:
- sudden, severe headache
- double vision
- nausea and vomiting
- a stiff neck
- muscle weakness
- confusion
- seizures
- cardiac arrest
If you notice any of the above symptoms, consult with your doctor immediately. If found early, aneurysms can be monitored and slowed by controlling blood pressure with medication, diet and lifestyle changes.
They can also be removed with an operation, but that can be risky and cause brain damage or stroke. It's only recommended if there is a high risk of rupture.
