Aneurysm Diagnoses
Should a modern physician suspect an Aneurysm there is a variety of tools available to help make the diagnoses. Depending on the particular types of equipment available to your doctor, and the type of Aneurysm suspected, they may employ one or more of the following
- Computed Tomography
- better known as a CT scan. This is a non-invasive test that can be useful in detecting bleeding in the brain from a burst Aneurysm. In about 85% of patients it can demonstrate blood from a Subarachnoid bleed if scanned within 48 hours of the bleed. In some cases, the distribution of the blood can give clues or indications of the location of the Ruptured Aneurysm.
- Computed Tomography Angiogram
- known as a CTA scan it is similar to the CT scan but employees a combination of CT scanning and the injection of a dye, or contrast material into the blood stream to produce images of the vessels.
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging
- or an MRI is a non-invasive test that employees magnetic fields and radio waves to produce detailed pictures of the brain and its surrounding tissue.
- Magnetic Resonance Angiography
- a somewhat more invasive form of the MRI which uses a contrasting dye to produce better detailed pictures of the blood vessels.
- Cerebral Angiography
- more commonly known as an Angiogram. This is a somewhat invasive and uncomfortable test, it is considered the best means to locate and detail Aneurysms, particularly small Aneurysms. A contrasting dye is injected into the brain with a catheter that is inserted into a vessel in the groin, and an X-Ray of the head is taken, producing a very detailed picture of the blood vessels of the brain.
- Lumbar Puncture
- or Spinal Tap is a procedure in which a small needle is inserted into the Spinal canal to obtain a sample of the cerebrospinal fluid, (CSF). A physician can then analyze this sample for the presence of blood, thus indicating a Subarachnoid Hemorrhage or bleeding in the brain. A Lumbar Puncture may confirm diagnosis if a CT is negative but the procedure is risky for some patients suffering from SAH. Following Lumbar Puncture in approximately 10-15% of the cases Neurological Deterioration will occur.
- Ultrasound or Medical sonography
- is a medical imagining tool that uses reflected sound energy to visualize internal structures. This technique is often useful in identifying Aneurysms in locations other than the brain.
In patients who display the classical symptoms of SAH, sudden and severe headache, nausea and vomiting, loss of consciousness, sensitivity to light, seizures, neck pain, and exhibit evidence of a SAH through a CT scan or Lumbar Puncture will generally undergo Cerebral Angiography if well enough for the procedure.
Nothing on this website should, in any way be considered medical advice. It is presented as general information only and is not intended to diagnose or treat any type of medical condition. I am not a doctor, nurse, or any other type of medical or health care professional. Nor am I an expert on Aneurysms. However, I am an expert on the experience of having suffered a ruptured Aneurysm and the subsequent treatment I received. This site should not be considered to be, nor is it intended to be, a definitive source of information regarding Aneurysms. I have made every attempt to ensure the accuracy of any information presented here, but again, I am not a medical professional and my own interpretation of this information could be in error.