Cerebral Aneurysms

Known Symptoms

Unruptured aneurysm:
- Often asymptomatic.
Symptoms if large or compressing nerves: Headache, ocular palsies (e.g., third nerve palsy), visual field defects.
Ruptured aneurysm (subarachnoid hemorrhage):
- “Thunderclap” headache (sudden, severe). Nausea/vomiting, photophobia, nuchal rigidity.
- Altered mental status, loss of consciousness, seizures.
Red flags: Any sudden, severe headache requires immediate evaluation.

Known Causes

Etiology: Congenital or acquired weakness in the arterial wall (tunica media defect).
Risk factors: Hypertension, smoking, family history, connective tissue disorders (e.g., Ehlers-Danlos, Marfan syndrome), autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD), atherosclerosis.
Pathophysiology: Hemodynamic stress (e.g., at arterial bifurcations) causes progressive weakening and dilation of the vessel wall. Rupture occurs when wall stress exceeds tensile strength.

Care

Prevention:
- Control modifiable risk factors (hypertension, smoking).
- Screening in high-risk populations (e.g., strong family history, genetic syndromes).
Follow-up:
- Imaging surveillance (MRA/CTA) for treated aneurysms to detect recurrence or new aneurysms.
- Long-term neurological and cognitive rehabilitation for SAH survivors.
- Lifelong management of vascular risk factors.

Known Symptoms

Unruptured aneurysm:
- Often asymptomatic.
Symptoms if large or compressing nerves: Headache, ocular palsies (e.g., third nerve palsy), visual field defects.
Ruptured aneurysm (subarachnoid hemorrhage):
- “Thunderclap” headache (sudden, severe). Nausea/vomiting, photophobia, nuchal rigidity.
- Altered mental status, loss of consciousness, seizures.
Red flags: Any sudden, severe headache requires immediate evaluation.

Known Causes

Etiology: Congenital or acquired weakness in the arterial wall (tunica media defect).
Risk factors: Hypertension, smoking, family history, connective tissue disorders (e.g., Ehlers-Danlos, Marfan syndrome), autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD), atherosclerosis.
Pathophysiology: Hemodynamic stress (e.g., at arterial bifurcations) causes progressive weakening and dilation of the vessel wall. Rupture occurs when wall stress exceeds tensile strength.

Care

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Neuro Surgery

Neuro Surgery

Our Neuro Surgery Department cares for complex conditions of the brain, spine and nervous system in both adults and children, combining advanced surgical skill with thoughtful, patient-first care. Our experienced neurosurgeons work closely with neurologists, intensivists, radiologists and rehabilitation teams to decide the best treatment path—whether surgical or non-surgical—based on what is safest and most effective for each patient. We manage brain tumours, stroke and trauma emergencies, spine disorders, vascular conditions such as aneurysms and AVMs, epilepsy and nerve pain, using modern techniques including minimally invasive and endoscopic surgery to support faster recovery.

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