A cerebral or brain aneurysm is typically characterized as a weakening or bulging of part of the wall of a vein or artery in the brain.
There are several recognized risk factors for the development of a cerebral aneurysm. Such factors include trauma to the head or brain, high blood pressure or hypertension or even congenital defects.
The signs and symptoms of an unruptured cerebral aneurysm may include severe headaches, nausea, vomiting and visual disturbances. Some individuals with an unruptured cerebral aneurysm may suffer from numbness or a loss of feeling in their face.
The key to effective treatment of a cerebral aneurysm is early diagnosis and prompt treatment. The failure to properly diagnose and treat a cerebral aneurysm can directly lead to the rupture of the aneurysm which, in turn, may result in extensive intracranial bleeding, hemorrhagic stroke or even death.
Frequently, the signs and symptoms of an impending rupture of a cerebral aneurysm are ignored or misinterpreted, thereby directly leading to a delay in diagnosis and treatment.
If a cerebral aneurysm is diagnosed in a timely fashion, there are several treatment options, including direct surgery or balloon embolization. Many patients can also be treated medically through the use of medications which are intended to alleviate the effects of any occluded or blocked arteries.
If the existence of an unruptured cerebral aneurysm is misdiagnosed or if treatment is otherwise unnecessarily delayed, the prognosis for individuals who have suffered a ruptured cerebral aneurysm is generally poor, depending upon the nature and extent of the intracerebral bleeding.
An untreated cerebral aneurysm can also be associated with the development of hydrocephalus, or water on the brain, and other very serious complications.
If a patient exhibits the signs or symptoms of a cerebral aneurysm, a careful and safe health care provider will perform an extensive work-up to rule in or rule out the existence of a cerebral aneurysm. Typically, such a work-up will include detailed neuroradiology studies of the brain, including an MRI or MRA.
The Law Firm of Dugan, Babij, Tolley & Kohler, LLC has extensive experience in representing families whose loved ones have been grievously injured or died as a result of medical malpractice associated with the failure to diagnose and treat cerebral aneurysms.