What is Aneurysm & Subarachnoid Hemorrhage (SAH) ?
A. Aneurysms are abnormal bulges in brain arteries where they divide. They usually arise from the fork of dividing arteries. The bulge slowly enlarges over months and years and may sometimes attain giant size. These aneurysms are usually found at the base of the brain. The presentation of an aneurysm is: 1) After rupture with SAH, ICH, IVH; 2) Mass effect when they attain giant size and cause pressure on the brain; 3) As ischemic stroke when a piece of thrombus inside aneurysm breaks off and goes up with blood flow and blocks an artery and 4) As an incidental finding on CT or MRI scan done for some other reason.When an aneurysm bursts blood collects in spaces around the brain which have water called CSF (Cerebrospinal Fluid). This space is called subarachnoid space and the hemorrhage is called SAH. Sometimes it bursts into the brain resulting in intracerebral h’age (ICH) or into the cavities called ventricles (IVH). Sometimes the ICH may be large and may cause pressure on the brain. Ur
