Michigan Neuroscience and Michigan Brain Injury Care | John Whapham, MD

MICHIGAN NEUROSCIENCE

St. Joseph Mercy Oakland leads the way as Michigan's first certified primary stroke center and home of the Michigan Stroke Network, the most advanced stroke response program in the nation. From top level neuroscience doctors to breakthrough treatments in brain injury care, St. Joseph Mercy Oakland caters to Michigan's neuroscience needs.

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OF THE MEDICAL REPORT

John Whapham, MD

St. Joseph Mercy Oakland

THE FACTS ABOUT CEREBRAL ANEURYSM

Background

Cerebral aneurysms can occur at any age. More common in women than in men, a cerebral aneurysm is a weak or thin area on a blood vessel in the brain that balloons out and fills with blood.

Podcast Posted: 8/10/2007
Duration: 00:59

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Often, this bulging, or dilated aneurysm puts pressure on a nerve or surrounding brain tissue and ruptures, resulting in a “subarachnoid hemorrhage.” Depending on the severity of the hemorrhage, brain damage or death may result.

In most cases, cerebral aneurysms cause no symptoms and go unnoticed for long periods of time, depending on the size and rate of growth. Many aneurysms are discovered incidentally, usually when doing an MRI scan for other reasons.

“The presence of a cerebral aneurysm may not be known until the time of rupture,” says John Whapham, MD and SJMO Neurointensivist. "Just before an aneurysm ruptures, individuals may experience such symptoms as a sudden and unusually severe headache, nausea, vision impairment, vomiting, and loss of consciousness."

While the cause of cerebral aneurysms is not completely understood, their formation has been connected with an abnormal degenerative breakdown in artery walls.

Diagnosis of a cerebral aneurysm is made using special imaging tests, including a Computed Tomographic Angiography (CTA), Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA) and a Cerebral Angiogram. Not all cerebral aneurysms burst, however. Some patients with very small aneurysms may be monitored to measure growth rates.

CAUTIONS
Emergency treatment for individuals with a ruptured cerebral aneurysm includes admission to an intensive care unit. If necessary, surgery is usually performed within the first three days to destroy the ruptured aneurysm and reduce the risk of re-bleeding.

The prognosis for an individual with a ruptured cerebral aneurysm depends on the extent and location of the aneurysm, the person’s age, general health, and neurological condition. Early diagnosis and treatment are critical.

REFERRALS
Please call the SJMO physician referral line at 800.372.6094 to find an SJMO neurologist near you.

THE MEDICAL REPORT LIBRARY:

MICHIGAN NEUROSCIENCE

	Stroke Care Richard Fessler, MD Posted: 12/3/2007
	Brain Tumors Paul Croissant, MD Posted: 12/3/2007
	Lumbar Spinal Stenosis Harold Portnoy, MD Posted: 8/10/2007
	Women and Strokes Lionel Glass, MD Posted: 8/10/2007
	Degenerative Disc Disease Todd Nida, MD Posted: 8/10/2007
	Cerebral Aneurysm John Whapham, MD Posted: 8/10/2007

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