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1994-01-17
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$Unique_ID{BRK01891}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{Berry Aneurysm: The (Sometimes) Quiet Time Bomb}
$Subject{Berry Aneurysm test tests sac saclike form forms formation formations
artery arteries wall inherit inherited congenital brain die died dead death
treat treatment treatments surgery exam examine examination examinations
symptom symptoms headache nausea neck angiography computer tomography CT Scan
MRI magnetic resonance imaging berry-aneurysm berry-aneurysms aneurysms
emergency emergencies}
$Volume{}
$Log{
Cerebral Artery Aneurysm*0002504.scf}
Copyright (c) 1993 Tribune Media Services, Inc.
Berry Aneurysm: The (Sometimes) Quiet Time Bomb
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
QUESTION: The young son of a close friend died suddenly and unexpectedly. He
was in his prime, never a sick day in his life, tall, athletic and good
looking. The doctors said it was an aneurysm, and that nothing could have
been done to save him. Is that true? Surely doctors have tests to find these
things. Why weren't they used in his case? We are all destroyed by this loss
and looking for answers. Please help.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ANSWER: It is not difficult to understand the depth of your grief, and your
need for some answers to explain what happened, though they can't change what
has happened. The most probable cause of this tragedy is called a "berry
aneurysm", a small saclike formation that develops when the wall of an artery
is weak. It looks like a berry, and the walls of the sac are very thin.
Often it is congenital and is located in an artery at the base of the brain.
They are frequently described as time bombs, for they can burst at any time.
In about half the cases, death occurs immediately, with no time for emergency
surgery that is the only treatment. When there are no symptoms to warn of
their presence, no special examinations are indicated. However, when symptoms
of headache, nausea or even a stiff neck heighten the suspicions of the
physician, tests, including angiography, computer tomography (CT Scan) or MRI
(magnetic resonance imaging) can be used to locate the lesion, in time for
the care that prevents the calamity you have suffered.
----------------
The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician. Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.