Actor Tom Sizemore is in critical condition after suffering a brain aneurysm.
His manager described the situation as a “wait and see” with the 61-year-old in intensive care.
What is a brain aneurysm, how are they treated and what is the outlook for patients?
What is a brain aneurysm?
An aneurysm is a bulge in a blood vessel caused by a weakness in the blood vessel wall.
As blood passes through the weakened blood vessel, the blood pressure causes a small area to inflate outward like a balloon.
The Brain Aneurysm Foundation in the United States likens it to a weak point in the inner tube of a bicycle tire.
Because the artery walls are thin, the aneurysm is at risk of rupture.
What happens when a brain aneurysm bursts?
The first symptom is usually an excruciating headache.
It has been described as a ‘thunderclap headache’, says the NHS, similar to a sudden blow to the head.
Other possible symptoms include vomiting, pain when looking at light, loss of consciousness, and a stiff neck.
When an aneurysm ruptures, blood rushes into the space between the skull and the brain.
This is called a hemorrhage or hemorrhagic stroke and is considered a medical emergency.
photo: AP
What are the symptoms of an unruptured brain aneurysm?
Unruptured brain aneurysms usually have no symptoms.
However, they occasionally cause symptoms if they are particularly large or press against tissue or nerves within the brain.
According to the NHS, symptoms can include vision disturbances, pain in or around the eyes, numbness or weakness on one side of the face and difficulties with speech, memory and concentration.
How are brain aneurysms treated?
Not all aneurysms are at risk of rupture. Where an unruptured aneurysm is considered low risk, it will usually be monitored rather than treated because the risk of operating often outweighs the benefit.
An aneurysm that is at risk of rupturing or has already burst can be treated with surgical coiling or cutting.
Coiling involves filling the aneurysm with a series of platinum coils that are threaded from the patient’s groin.
The coils prevent more blood from flowing into the aneurysm and pressing against the weakened walls.
Surgical clipping involves removing a section of the skull and placing a metal clip over the “neck” of the aneurysm to prevent blood from flowing into it.
The same treatments are used for aneurysms that have already burst.
Who is at risk of having a brain aneurysm?
Brain aneurysms can develop in anyone at any age, but are more common in people over the age of 40.
They are also more common in women.
People who smoke and those with high blood pressure are at higher risk for brain aneurysms.
Excessive alcohol and drug use, particularly cocaine, are also associated with brain aneurysms.
What’s next after a ruptured brain aneurysm?
Ruptured brain aneurysms are fatal in about 50 percent of cases, according to the Brain Aneurysm Foundation.
About 15% of people with a ruptured aneurysm die before reaching the hospital. Most deaths result from rapid and massive brain injury from the initial hemorrhage.
Of those who survive, about two-thirds suffer from permanent neurological problems.
