Difference Between a Stroke and a Brain Aneurysm

A brain aneurysm is a condition caused by a weak blood vessel in your brain. If this vessel gets swelled up with blood, it means you have an aneurysm. Further, if the swelling leads to severe damage to the vessel, it can result in a brain stroke. The lifestyle habits that you should follow to prevent both brain aneurysms and stroke are very similar.

These diseases are both dangerous and, at times, can be fatal. They may lead to conditions like bipolar disorder. They can take place anytime at any age, causing permanent damage to your brain. Both these conditions involve issues related to the blood vessels in your head and are similar in many ways, which is why they can be confusing. Read on to understand how brain aneurysm and stroke can affect you and how both these diseases can be treated.

What is a brain aneurysm?

A brain aneurysm also called an intracranial aneurysm, is a condition in which there is a weak blood vessel that balloons with blood inside the brain. Most of these aneurysms occur between the base of your skull and the thin tissues covering your brain [1]. If these aneurysms seep out or burst, they can cause permanent brain damage, bleeding, or in extreme cases, death. However, most aneurysms may not rupture but nonetheless create health problems. Certain kinds of tests like MRIs and CT scans reveal these aneurysms. 

What are the symptoms of a brain aneurysm?

There can be two types of symptoms depending on whether it has ruptured or not.

Brain aneurysm symptoms without rupture are:

• Vision disorders
• Speech impairment
• Headache
• Agonizing pain in eyes
• Trouble maintaining balance
• A side of the face goes numb
• Enlarged pupils
• Ptosis or droopy eyelids

Brain aneurysm symptoms with rupture are:

• Sudden intense headaches that become unbearable
• Vomiting and nausea
• Loss of balance while walking or in normal coordination
• Drowsiness
• Stiffness in neck
• Unconsciousness
• Light sensitivity
• Seizure
• A decline in mental awareness

If you feel any of these symptoms, get medical help immediately. Brain aneurysms don't usually show any symptoms, but it is always better to keep a close watch on them.

What is the treatment for an aneurysm?

Can brain aneurysms be treated? The answer is yes. Treatment for a brain aneurysm can also be classified into two types depending on whether it is for a ruptured or unruptured aneurysm. 

For ruptured aneurysm treatment, you need immediate medical care as it is likely to bleed again. It is important to stop the blood flow into the aneurysm to prevent excess bleeding. These kinds of procedures carry a lot of risks which is why doctors guide you through the whole process and figure out which treatment will work best for you.

Ruptured brain aneurysm treatments include the following.

• Surgery for clipping the aneurysm to cut off blood flow, known as surgical clipping
• Surgically inserting a stent inside an artery to divert the blood away is known as flow diverter surgery.
• In a surgery that doesn't require opening the skull, instead, a catheter is placed on the affected blood vessel, known as endovascular coiling.

The unruptured brain aneurysm causing no symptoms may not require any treatment. Consult a doctor and make sure to take care of your health.

What is a stroke?

When the blood supply to a part of your brain is cut, a stroke can occur. It happens as this phenomenon causes the brain tissues to die due to oxygen and nutrient loss. A stroke is a health condition that causes long-term disability [2]. There are two kinds of strokes, namely:

Ischemic stroke

This stroke occurs when a blood vessel in the brain gets blocked, and the brain tissue gets permanently damaged due to a lack of oxygen or blood flow

Hemorrhagic stroke

This kind of stroke occurs when there is any bleeding in the brain.

What are the signs of a stroke?

Knowing the symptoms of a stroke is important as getting treatment immediately is an important factor in speedy recovery [3]. The primary symptoms of a stroke are:

• Problems with your vision
• Splitting headaches
• Issues with speech
• Lack in coordination
• Numbness in the body
• Paralysis of hands, legs, or face

What is the treatment for a stroke?

The treatment of stroke again depends on which kind of stroke it is.

To treat an ischemic stroke, doctors have to restore the normal flow of blood to the brain immediately. This can be done through the following methods:

• Implanting stents
• Injecting drugs that help break clots
• Going for mechanical thrombectomy
• Applying surgical methods to remove the clots

Stroke and brain aneurysm prevention methods include controlling your high blood pressure and avoiding smoking. Undergoing a stroke or brain aneurysm test at the right time helps in early prognosis. If you are facing any neurological conditions, be aware and in control of your lifestyle. Look into yoga Nidra's benefits to boost your brain health and get other such tips from specialists. 

Book an online doctor consultation with a top neurologist on Bajaj Finserv Health to have a better understanding of your condition. Acting on time will help you take care of yourself better. For affordable health insurance policies, you can avail Bajaj Health Insurance Plans for your family and secure your and your loved ones' health. These Bajaj Health Insurance Plans come with benefits like telemedicine, network discounts, and comprehensive medical coverage, so you can use them for high-value treatment related to brain disorders and more.