Pediatric Brain Aneurysm: Not Typically Symptomatic Unless They Rupture

Pediatric Brain Aneurysms Subarachnoid Hemorrhage SAH Brain Aneurysms Marfan syndrome Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome Alagille syndrome Polycystic kidney disease Ruptured Aneurysm

By Camille Hutchison , Parent Herald Oct 15, 07:18 pm

Pediatric Brain Aneurysms are not common in children but can happen and are not normally symptomatic unless they rupture. This occurs when an area of an artery swells due to a weakening of the artery wall. This type of disease can be life-threatening if they rupture, which requires immediate medical attention.

Children below 18 years old with aneurysms are considered rare. In contrast to adults, it usually occurs more often in males than females by a 1:8 to 1 ratio. Data published on Brain Aneurysm Foundation suggests the formation of pediatric brain aneurysms is much more different than that of adults. It has been observed that around 20 percent of aneurysms in kids are so-called giant aneurysms that appear to be larger than 2.5 cm in diameter, adding that kids are more likely to present with Subarachnoid Hemorrhage (SAH).

Fortunately, with advancements in brain imaging techniques, increasing numbers of kids with brain aneurysms are diagnosed before aneurysm ruptures.

On the other hand, aneurysms in adults develop due to risk factors that impact blood vessels over the course of many years, such as smoking, high blood pressure, aging, and long-term excessive alcohol intake. However, these factors are not at play in pediatric patients.

Pediatric brain aneurysms usually don't have a known case

Brain aneurysms usually don't have a known and exact cause but can run in families or be parts of a broader genetic disorder like Marfan syndrome, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, Alagille syndrome, and Polycystic kidney disease. However, in most cases, aneurysms are not hereditary, and only a single case exists in a family. Occasionally, an individual with an aneurysm will have other affected family members.

It can also be associated with severe head trauma, connective tissue disorders, and infection. As time passes by with a ruptured aneurysm, the likelihood of death or disability increases, and around 75 percent of individuals with brain aneurysms survive longer than 24 hours, while a quarter of the survivors may have life-ending complications within six months.

Furthermore, it can also be linked to heavy straining as it causes pressure to rise in the brain and may eventually lead to an aneurysm rupture. Strong emotions such as madness can undoubtedly raise blood pressure and cause aneurysms to rupture.

The decision regarding the treatment or whether to treat it is based on a careful analysis of the risks and benefits. It is important to remember that kids diagnosed with an aneurysm diligently maintain long-term follow-ups with the medical team, per the Brain Aneurysm Foundation.

Possible treatments for brain aneurysm

WebMD suggests that any condition that causes artery walls to weaken can lead to an aneurysm, as well as deep wounds and infections. The most common culprit is atherosclerosis.

Aneurysm changes as it grows larger despite not having initial symptoms. Warning signs that show an individual has developed an unruptured brain aneurysm include pain behind or above an eye and double vision.

A brain aneurysm can be treated via two common methods: Clipping and Endovascular repair. According to Medline Plus, clipping is done during an open craniotomy, while the latter method is surgery and mostly uses a coil or coiling stenting (mesh tubes).