When we hear the word ‘brain aneurysm’, we often think it is rare and far-fetched, but these days it has become more common than you think, and when overlooked, it can cause life-threatening conditions. Typically, it exhibits several warning signs and vision-related issues, which often go unnoticed. Does this brain aneurysm actually affect your vision? The direct answer is yes, and in this comprehensive blog, let’s explore how and why this happens, the signs to look out for, and how you should act when you or someone around you experiences these changes.
What is a brain aneurysm?
A brain aneurysm is nothing but a weak and thin spot in the blood vessels in the brain that can become inflamed or balloon out. Imagine it like a bubble forming on the wall of a tire, eventually, the bubble can burst, and it will result in a potentially life-threatening hemorrhagic stroke, which is nothing but bleeding in the brain. Also, the brain aneurysms can be:
- Unruptured: This never exhibits any symptoms but can only be discovered incidentally.
- Leaking (sentinel bleed): Always, patients will experience a minor leak before the major rupture.
- Rupture: This is a medical emergency, striking you with sudden and severe signs.
Simply, whenever experiencing these issues, consider getting brain aneurysm treatment in Coimbatore to avoid health complications associated with them.
What’s the connection between brain aneurysms and vision problems?
Now, let’s get an answer for the main question: can a brain aneurysm affect your vision? Of course, it can, and further, let’s see how:
– Stress on the optic nerve:
A few brain aneurysms, notably those located near the internal carotid artery, posterior communicating artery, or anterior communicating artery, will exert pressure on the optic nerve or optic chiasm, which are significant parts of your visual system. This pressure affects how visual information is processed and interpreted by the brain, causing:
- Blurred or double vision.
- Losing the peripheral side of the vision.
- Abrupt vision loss in one eye.
- Pupil abnormalities or eye movement issues.
– Compression of cranial nerves:
These cranial nerves control eye movements. When the nerves are affected by an aneurysm, it will result in:
- Ptosis (dropping of the upper eyelid).
- Diplopia (double vision).
- Issues with moving your eyes in a few directions.
- Pupil dilation or unresponsiveness to light.
– Rupture results in subarachnoid hemorrhage:
Once the aneurysm bursts, there will be a massive blood leakage into the brain spaces, which will result in a subarachnoid hemorrhage. This condition causes:
- Abrupt and intense headache.
- Blurred or complete vision loss.
- Sensitivity to light.
- Nausea, vomiting, and confusion.
Vision changes in this case are part of a larger set of dangerous symptoms and need immediate medical help.
What are the symptoms to watch out for?
Whether your aneurysm is ruptured or unruptured, you should never overlook the signs. The most common signs of an aneurysm are:
- Sudden strike of blurred or double vision.
- Difficulty focusing or seeing clearly.
- Drooping eyelid (on one or both sides).
- Eye pain or discomfort.
- Changes in your light sensitivity.
- Partial or complete vision loss.
- Abrupt headache causing intense pain.
In case any of these early vision-related symptoms appear or notably present when striking in combination, they could point towards a brain aneurysm or another neurological problem. Consider getting immediate medical help.
How to diagnose the cause of vision changes?
In case you are going through sudden visual disturbances, your healthcare provider will suggest one or more of the following tests:
- MRI or CT scan: To analyze the presence, size, and location of an aneurysm.
- Cerebral angiography: In this method, an X-ray will be taken, using a contrast dye to map blood vessels in the brain.
- Visual field testing: To check peripheral vision and blind spots.
- Neurological examination: To look for the symptoms of cranial nerve compression.
What are the treatments available for aneurysm-related vision problems?
Typically, doctors will tailor treatment based on whether the aneurysm is ruptured or unruptured and how much damage has occurred.
– Unruptured aneurysm:
- Monitoring: In case it is small and not causing symptoms, it might just be observed.
- Surgical clipping: The individual’s aneurysm will be closed with a metal clip.
- Endovascular coiling: This minimally invasive procedure involves filling the aneurysms to avoid rupture.
In case the aneurysm is stressing the optic nerves or disturbing the vision, treating it at times reverses or improves visual symptoms, notably if caught on time.
– Ruptured aneurysm:
- Emergency surgery, like clipping or coiling, is required immediately.
- Recovery involves managing bleeding, preventing re-bleeding, and addressing complications such as vasospasm or hydrocephalus.
Vision recovery is completely based on how early the treatment is given and how much nerve damage has occurred.
How to live with an aneurysm and protect your vision?
Simply, once you have been diagnosed with a brain aneurysm, notably if it is unruptured, here are a few steps to reduce risk and preserve vision:
- Manage your blood pressure and cholesterol.
- Quit smoking and avoid alcohol.
- Consume a balanced diet and exercise regularly.
- Frequently go for neurological and eye exams.
- Know your family history and get screened if required.
When should I reach out to a doctor?
Go to the interventional radiology hospital in Coimbatore, or call emergency services when you are experiencing:
- Abrupt and intense headache.
- Blurred or double vision.
- Drooping eye lid.
- Loss of consciousness.
- Seizures.
- Confusion or trouble speaking.
These are all signs of a potential aneurysm rupture, which is life-threatening and needs immediate proper medical help.
Bottom line:
In conclusion, we can say that vision is something apart from just a sense, it can be a window into your brain’s health. Blurred vision, double sight, or even a drooping eyelid might seem minor, but in most cases, they are the primary warning bells of a brain aneurysm. Just by being aware of this connection, you can catch dangerous conditions on time, enhancing your chances of recovery and survival.