Aneurysm in the Brain
Alternate Names : Aneurysm - Cerebral, Cerebral Aneurysm
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Brain Aneurysm Diagnosis & Tests
There may be signs of increased pressure within the brain (raised intracranial pressure) including swelling of the optic nerve (papilledema) or tiny hemorrhages into the retina of the eye, which are evident on careful eye examination. Other findings on exam (such as a third cranial nerve palsy) may help identify which blood vessel has the aneurysm.
A cerebral aneurysm is usually diagnosed by tests to determine the cause of bleeding within the brain:
- A CT scan of the head can identify bleeding and occasionally locate the aneurysm.
- A CSF (cerebrospinal fluid) examination (spinal tap) may confirm bleeding when CT scan is non-diagnostic.
- An MRI of the head may be an alternative to a CT scan, but is not as sensitive to bleeding within the brain (subarachnoid bleeding). Various MRI scans vary in their ability to detect smaller aneurysms..
- Cerebral angiography is the most sensitive tool and pinpoints the location and size of the aneurysm(s).
- EEG (electroencephalogram) may be performed if seizures occur.
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