An aneurysm is an abnormal outpouching of an artery's wall. Aneurysms
affecting the arteries supplying the brain can cause a stroke. If the aneur-
ysm ruptures, blood flows into the space surrounding the brain called the
subarachnoid space. A patient with a subarachnoid hemorrhage usually
suffers a severe headache followed by nausea, vomiting, irritation and
lethargy. Double vision, neck stiffness, weakness, loss of sensation, and
loss of consciousness can also occur.
Several imaging techniques, such as x-ray angiography, MRI or CT, are used to detect aneurysms. An aneurysm may be small and not cause symptoms. Symptoms of an aneurysm depend on where it is located. Aneurysms in the brain can cause impaired vision and headaches. The larger an aneurysm becomes, the more likely it is to burst.
Interventional neuroradiologists perform detachable coil embolization to
alleviate much of the danger presented by aneurysms. The interventional
neuroradiologist inserts a thin, hollow tube, called a catheter, into an artery
in the leg. This catheter is then maneuvered through the body to the aneu-
rysm's position. Once in position, the radiologist places one or more small
coils through the catheter into the aneurysm. The body responds by forming
a blood clot around the coil blocking off the aneurysm. The coils are designed
to remain anchored within the aneurysm and do not require eventual removal.
