Risk Factors for Brain Aneurysms

Brain aneurysms are a common medical condition that becomes life-threatening when rupturing occurs. Prompt medical attention is required to prevent further damage and possible death. Treating a brain aneurysm may be necessary to avoid the possibility of a future rupture.

It is critical to speak with a medical malpractice attorney in Portland if you have suffered needlessly from a brain aneurysm due to a misdiagnosis or unforced error. Paulson Coletti Trial Attorneys PC has dedicated years to helping the victims of negligence and offers trusted representation you can depend on. Time is imperative to any claim, and speaking with us about your case as soon as you can provides the ability to explore all the options available to you for compensation.

What is a Brain Aneurysm?

Brain aneurysms are bulges in the wall of a blood vessel and may be called intracranial or cerebral aneurysms. They often resemble small balloons and can go undiagnosed because they may not cause symptoms until sudden changes occur. Risk factors can predispose an individual to develop a brain aneurysm, so screening and treatment options should be considered or recommended.

Risk Factors Related to Brain Aneurysms

It is important to know your medical history and share it with your physician. If you are concerned that you are at increased risk of an aneurysm, speak to your doctor as soon as possible. Risk factors and a history of certain medical conditions that increase the chances of developing an aneurysm can include:

• Personal or family history of brain aneurysm
• Being female
• Age: People ages 30-60 are more likely to experience an aneurysm
• Polycystic kidney disease
• Coming from Finnish ancestry
• Certain vascular diseases
• High blood pressure
• Smoking
• Excessive alcohol use
• Drug use: Certain drugs, like cocaine, can increase blood pressure, and other drugs that are injected could create the environment for mycotic aneurysms.
• Head injury or certain blood infections

The State of an Aneurysm

Aneurysms exist in three forms. Though they often do not cause symptoms, aneurysms can change because of the weakened state of the vessel wall. Speak with a doctor or call for medical assistance if you experience symptoms.

Unruptured Aneurysms

Unruptured aneurysms can be asymptomatic, particularly when they are small in size. Depending on its location, symptoms you may experience include:

• A change in vision
• Pain around the eye
• Facial numbness
• Pupil dilation

Leaking Aneurysms

A small amount of blood will leak at the point of the aneurysm. Like a dam with a small leak, the pressure on the weak point can cause a rupture. Symptoms can include an extreme headache lasting for an extended period, often developing suddenly.

Because it is most likely that a leak will rupture within days or weeks, seek medical help immediately.

Ruptured Aneurysms

Ruptured aneurysms are critical. Symptoms that may precede a rupture include:

• Severe headache, often the most excruciating ever experienced by a patient
• Vision issues
• Nausea or vomiting
• Loss of consciousness
• Seizure
• Stiff neck
• Drooping eyelid

The faster a diagnosis is made and treatment is administered, the more likely a patient can recover fully.

Contact a Portland Brain Aneurysm Attorney

How you recover from brain aneurysm treatment often depends on your initial diagnosis, whether your risk factors are taken seriously, and the medical team’s response if there are complications with a brain aneurysm. Discuss your medical treatment with a compassionate, experienced brain injury attorney in Portland today to begin the process of understanding if medical malpractice played a factor in your health outcome. Paulson Coletti Trial Attorneys PC are your fierce advocates in medical malpractice claims.