Aneurysm

A weak part of an artery that bulges or balloons is an aneurysm. Aneurysms have many names, which are determined by the organ supplied by the artery, including:

• Brain (cerebral) aneurysm;
• Aortic aneurysm;
• Thoracic aortic aneurysm;
• Abdominal aortic aneurysm; and
• Peripheral aneurysm.

Aneurysms often exist without any signs or symptoms and, as such, are undiagnosed or unnoticed and are left untreated. Untreated aneurysms are dangerous because they may can press on other organs or systems and can rupture, leading to hemorrhaging.

Perhaps the most well-known, or talked about, aneurysm is the cerebral aneurysm. This is because of the extent of damage caused when this type of aneurysm ruptures, which is known as a subarachnoid hemorrhage. When a brain aneurysm ruptures, you may suddenly suffer from one or more of the following:

• Severe headache that is very different from normal headaches (also known as a "thunderclap" headache);
• Nausea or vomiting;
• Photophobia;
• Neck pain; and
• Fainting.

If you have these symptoms, an aneurysm should be part of your doctor's differential diagnosis because there are therapies available to prevent or limit damage caused by bleeding. There are also tests that can be ordered to confirm your condition, including:

• A computed tomography (CT) scan;
• A computed tomography angiogram (CTA) scan;
• A magnetic resonance angiography (MRA); and a
• Cerebral angiogram.

The lawyers at Bottar Law, PLLC, have considerable experience investigating, prosecuting and trying to verdict cases involving severe personal injuries, including aneurysms. Contact us now to discuss your case or concerns.