Overview

This is an abnormal connection between blood vessels. It happens when arteries connect directly to veins without first sending blood through tiny capillaries. An AVM can look like a tangle of blood vessels. They form anywhere in your body, but most often they form in or around the brain and along the spinal cord.

Causes

We don’t understand what causes AVMs. Most people who have an AVM were born with it.

Symptoms
If you have one, you may not realize it. Many cause no problems. But sometimes an AVM causes noticeable symptoms. An AVM in your head can cause headaches, confusion and seizures. It can
cause buzzing or whooshing noises in your ear. You may have dizziness or other vision problems. An AVM in your head or spine can cause weakness, numbness, balance issues and pain.

AVM Dangers

An AVM can keep your brain or your spinal cord from getting enough oxygenated blood. An AVM also may rupture and let blood leak out. That can cause you to have a stroke. Or, a large pool of blood may press harmfully against your brain or spinal cord. A bleeding AVM is a medical emergency.

Treatment

AVMs can be removed surgically. They can be treated with catheter and radiation techniques. Your healthcare provider will create a plan that is right for you.

Overview

This condition is a bulge that forms in the wall of a weakened artery in the brain. This bulge can leak or rupture, causing a stroke. An aneurysm can be life-threatening.

Causes

An aneurysm is typically caused by a thinning of the arterial wall. This thinning can develop gradually over time. Aneurysms often develop at the base of arterial branches in the brain, because the arteries are weakest at these points.

Symptoms

Aneurysms can cause a wide range of symptoms. A small aneurysm that has not ruptured may not cause noticeable symptoms. A large aneurysm that has not ruptured may cause pain behind an eye. It may impair vision, and may cause numbness or weakness on one side of the face. When an aneurysm ruptures, it often causes a sudden, severe headache. This pain is frequently described as the worst headache of the person’s life. A ruptured aneurysm can also cause nausea, stiffness of the neck, sensitivity to light, seizures, confusion and loss of consciousness.

Treatment

Treatment options depend on the size and location of the aneurysm and whether or not it has ruptured. In many cases, an aneurysm can be treated with surgical clipping or coil embolization. Other treatment options include medications, pain relievers, and the insertion of a drainage catheter or shunt. Rehabilitative therapy may be required as a part of recovery from a brain aneurysm.

Overview

Your pituitary gland is found just under your brain. This pea-sized gland makes hormones that affect many of your body’s functions. A pituitary tumor can cause it to release too much or too little of these hormones. This can cause serious problems.

Causes

We aren’t sure why pituitary tumors form. A tumor starts with a mutation in a cell’s DNA. These are the genetic blueprints that tell cells how to grow and function. The mutation makes the cell divide abnormally and uncontrollably. A pituitary tumor is a mass of these abnormal cells. Most pituitary tumors are not cancer.

Symptoms

A pituitary tumor can press against your brain. This can cause headaches and vision loss. Some
tumors change your hormone levels. You may see things like more body hair or enlarged hands and feet. You may have emotional problems like anxiety or depression. You may have sexual problems like loss of sex drive or irregular periods. It can change your weight, your heart rate and your digestion. Many other problems in your body can be caused by changes in your hormones. consciousness.

Treatment

Treatment depends on your needs. If your tumor isn’t causing problems, you may not need treatment. If it is, you may benefit from surgery, radiation therapy or medications. Your healthcare provider can create a care plan that is right for you.

Overview

This is a mass of abnormal cells. It may be inside your brain, or it may be next to your brain. It can grow and press harmfully against healthy brain tissue. This can cause a wide range of problems throughout your body. A brain tumor can severely impact your life.

Types

There are many types of brain tumors. They can be classified in different ways. A tumor can be
classified by where it originally formed. A tumor that originates in your brain is called a “primary” tumor. A primary tumor can be noncancerous or it can be cancerous. A tumor that originates in another part of your body and then travels to your brain is called a “metastatic” tumor. Metastatic tumors are always cancerous.

Symptoms

Because the brain is so complex, a brain tumor can affect you in many different ways. A tumor can cause physical problems, such as headaches, nausea, and seizures. It can cause behavioral changes, such as confusion and impulsiveness. Your symptoms depend on your particular tumor and its location.

Treatment

A brain tumor can be treated in many different ways. It can be treated with medications. It can be targeted with radiation designed to shrink its cells. Some tumors can be removed surgically. Your healthcare provider can create a care plan that is right for your needs.

Overview

This is a mass of enlarged blood vessels in your brain or spinal cord. Pockets in the mass slow down or even trap blood. This can lead to blood clots, or to a leaking of blood we call a “hemorrhage.”

Causes

What causes a CCM? In most cases, we don’t know. If you have just one, it may have no clear cause. But some CCMs have a genetic link. This is especially true for people who have multiple CCMs. And, a CCM can form after you have radiation therapy in your brain.

Symptoms

What are the symptoms of a CCM? Well, you may not have any symptoms. You can have a cavernous malformation and not even know it. But if your CCM causes a blood clot or a hemorrhage, you can have a wide range of serious problems. These depend on what part of your brain is affected. They can include things like severe headaches, balance difficulties, speech or vision problems, and seizures. This can be life threatening.

Treatment

Treatment depends on your needs. If your CCM isn’t causing problems, your doctor may suggest monitoring. If you’re having certain symptoms, medications may help. Or, you may need surgery.
Your healthcare provider will create a plan that’s right for you.

Overview

This is a structural problem with the back of the brain. It involves the cerebellum. That’s the part of your brain that controls balance. Normally, the cerebellum sits in a space at the base of the skull. It’s just above the opening to the spinal canal, called the “foramen magnum.” With Chiari malformation, the cerebellum slips down through this opening.

Causes

This condition usually happens as a fetus develops in the womb. It may be linked to a genetic mutation or to other issues. These can cause problems with the development of the skull and brain. It may also develop later in life if you lose a lot of spinal fluid. This can happen because of an injury or an infection.

Symptoms

Chiari malformation can cause symptoms such as neck pain and problems with balance and coordination. It can cause problems with vision, hearing and swallowing. It can cause weakness, numbness and other problems in the arms and legs. And it can cause issues such as headaches, depression and insomnia, among other problems. The symptoms depend on the severity of the malformation. In some people, only a small part of the cerebellum pushes down through the hole. That may not cause any symptoms. In severe cases, much more of the brain’s tissue pushes through. In the most severe cases, this causes death.

Treatment

Treatment options depend on your needs. If your malformation is mild, medications may help. If your malformation is more severe, you may benefit from surgery. Your healthcare provider can create a care plan that is right for you.

Overview

This condition is a buildup of clotted blood between the brain’s outer layer and the membrane that covers the brain (called the dura). It usually occurs in the elderly, and can be caused by even a minor bump to the head.

How it Forms

As we age, our brain tissue slowly shrinks. Blood vessels that extend from the brain to the skull stretch and become vulnerable to tears. The vessels can rupture on their own, or they can tear if the head is bumped or jolted. A single episode of leaking may go unnoticed, but repeated leaks can cause a dangerous buildup of blood. Medications that delay blood clotting may make the problem worse.

Symptoms

A chronic subdural hematoma usually progresses slowly. Symptoms may include severe headaches,
drowsiness, and nausea. A hematoma may cause slurred speech, seizures, and cognitive decline. It may cause difficulty with swallowing or walking, and weakness or numbness in the face, arms or legs. These symptoms may happen days or even weeks after the injury.

Treatment

A chronic subdural hematoma that causes symptoms is treated with drainage of the accumulated blood. This usually can be done through a drain passed through a small hole in the skull. If seizures occur as a result of hematoma, they may be controlled with medications.

Overview

This is a buildup of clotted blood beneath the dura. That’s a membrane that covers your brain. The blood can press harmfully against your brain.

How it Forms

This type of hematoma is often caused by a violent blow to your head that stretches and tears blood vessels around your brain. The blood vessels leak, letting blood pool against the brain. A hematoma can also happen even without a head injury if a weak artery in your head bursts.

Symptoms

If your hematoma is small, you may not notice any symptoms. But a large clot can cause headaches, weakness and nausea. It can cause problems with vision, speech, and confusion. You may have seizures. You may lose consciousness. This can be fatal.

Treatment

An acute subdural hematoma is an emergency condition. You need to be treated quickly to prevent permanent damage. Your healthcare provider can create a plan that is right for you.

Overview

Like every part of your body, your brain changes as you age. And some changes affect how you think. Let’s look at what’s normal, and let’s talk about things that may be cause for concern.

Physical changes

How does the brain change with age? Well, a few things happen. Some parts shrink, including the parts that handle learning and complex mental tasks. Brain cells may begin to have trouble communicating with each other. The brain’s blood flow may decrease. And, the brain may have some inflammation.

Healthy older brain

These normal changes can affect your thinking. You may have mild memory problems. Focusing on more than one thing at a time may be difficult. And it may be a bit harder for you to pay attention. But you can have positive changes, too. You may find that you’re wiser and more insightful. And, you can still learn new things and sharpen your mind.

Unhealthy changes

Your brain can change in ways that aren’t normal, too. For example, a buildup of harmful proteins causes things like Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. These unhealthy changes cause many issues. You may have severe memory problems and confusion. You may have trouble taking care of yourself. These are all warning signs that something is wrong. you.

Conclusion

If you or your loved ones are worried about your brain health, see your doctor. Your doctor will find out what’s wrong and create a care plan that’s right for you.

Overview

This condition, which usually occurs in adults 55 and older, is an excessive accumulation of
cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in the ventricles of the brain. The ventricles are a system of large, fluid-filled open spaces inside the brain. Too much CSF in the ventricles can distort the brain’s shape. It can make the brain susceptible to injury.

About CSF

Cerebrospinal fluid is a colorless fluid that bathes the central nervous system. It carries nutrients and waste to and from cells. It also absorbs shocks and regulates pressure.

How NPH Develops

As we age, the brain tissue gradually weakens and shrinks, exerting less of its own pressure. This atrophied brain can allow the ventricles to swell with CSF fluid, which distorts the brain’s shape without causing an elevation in normal brain pressure.

Symptoms

One of the first signs of NPH is difficulty walking – people with the condition typically develop a shuffling, stumbling, hesitant gait. It often then progresses to incontinence and dementia. The symptoms are sometimes confused with those of Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s disease.

Treatment

Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus is treated with a surgically-implanted shunt. The shunt allows the excess fluid to drain and relieves the distortion caused by swollen ventricles.

Overview

This condition is caused by an increased amount of cerebrospinal fluid (commonly called CSF) in the brain’s ventricles. The ventricles are a system of large, fluid-filled open spaces inside the brain. Too much CSF in the ventricles can elevate pressure in the skull. It can damage delicate brain tissue.

About CSF

Cerebrospinal fluid is a colorless fluid that bathes the central nervous system. It carries nutrients and waste to and from cells. It also absorbs shocks and regulates pressure. CSF is produced in the brain. It normally flows through and around the brain and then down the spinal cord, where it is absorbed by the blood stream.

How Hydrocephalus Develops

Hydrocephalus is caused by a disruption of this drainage system, or, in rare cases, by an
overproduction of CSF. The ventricles swell with the excess fluid. This raises the fluid pressure within the skull.

Symptoms (Infants)

Symptoms of hydrocephalus vary greatly with age. In infants, it can cause the head to swell rapidly and to unusually large proportions. This is because infants do not yet have rigid skulls. In addition to a swollen head, infants may experience symptoms such as vomiting, sleepiness, irritability and seizures. Their eyes may be fixed in a downward gaze.

Symptoms (Toddlers, Children)

In toddlers, hydrocephalus can also cause head swelling. Toddlers and children may experience headache, fever, irritability, and problems with coordination and balance. They may experience personality changes, problems with walking or talking, sleepiness, and other issues.

Overview

This is a cancer that began elsewhere in your body and then spread to your brain, forming one or more tumors. Many different cancers can spread this way. These tumors are actually more common than tumors that begin in the brain’s own tissues.

About CSF

Cerebrospinal fluid is a colorless fluid that bathes the central nervous system. It carries nutrients and waste to and from cells. It also absorbs shocks and regulates pressure. CSF is produced in the brain. It normally flows through and around the brain and then down the spinal cord, where it is absorbed by the blood stream.

Causes

A metastatic brain tumor can begin as bladder cancer, breast cancer, or a cancer of the ovaries or testes. It can begin as a cancer in your blood, kidneys, lungs or skin. And sometimes, we don’t know where the cancer began.

Symptoms

Because your brain is so complex, a brain tumor can affect your mind and body in many ways. A tumor can cause physical problems, such as severe headaches, nausea, and seizures. You may feel weak and tired. You may have pain, numbness or tingling in parts of your body. A tumor can affect your vision and your speech. It can also cause your personality to change. You may have rapid mood swings. You may develop strange behaviors

Treatment

Treatment depends on your needs. You may benefit from radiation, surgery or other options. Your healthcare provider can create a plan that’s right for you.

Overview

This is a tumor in your meninges. These thin layers of protective tissue surround your brain and spinal cord. Most meningiomas are not cancerous. They usually grow slowly

Causes

The cause of a meningioma is not fully understood. It may be linked to your genetics, to your environment or to a combination of factors. It starts with a mutation in a cell’s DNA. This genetic blueprint guides cellular growth and functions. The mutation causes the cell to divide abnormally and uncontrollably. A meningioma tumor is a mass of these abnormal cells.

Risk Factors

Certain factors increase your risk for a meningioma. The tumors are more common in women. You have a higher risk if you have had radiation treatment involving your head. And, you have a higher risk if you have an inherited nervous system disorder called “neurofibromatosis type 2.”

Symptoms

A meningioma can press against your brain, interfering with its function. Symptoms of a meningioma include headache, hearing loss and changes in vision. You may have problems with your memory. You may lose your sense of smell. You may develop weakness in your limbs, and you may have seizures.

Treatment

Treatment options depend on your tumor and your needs. A small, slow-growing tumor may not need to be treated immediately. If your tumor is aggressive, or if it is causing harmful symptoms, you may benefit from surgery, radiation therapy, medications, or other options. Your healthcare provider will create a care plan that is right for your needs

Overview

You can have a stroke that lasts for only a few minutes and then seems to go away. We call that a “mini-stroke.” It happens when part of your brain’s blood supply is blocked for a short time. But even if your symptoms disappear, a mini-stroke is a dangerous event. You need to seek help right away.

Warning signs

During a mini-stroke, you may experience a wide range of warning signs. They happen suddenly.
You can have numbness or weakness, especially on one side of your body. You may become confused, and you may have trouble speaking. Your sight may be affected, and you may have trouble seeing in one or both eyes. You can have problems with balance and coordination. You may feel dizzy, and you may have trouble walking.

Get help

A mini-stroke is a sign of a serious problem. So if you experience any of these symptoms, get help immediately. Call the emergency number and say “I think this is a stroke.” Do not delay.

Conclusion

The symptoms of a mini-stroke often go away within an hour. But that doesn’t mean everything is OK. Go to a doctor and get examined. By acting quickly during or after a mini-stroke, you may prevent severe disability, or even save your life.

Overview

This condition is a distinct type of headache caused by irritation or injury of the occipital nerves. These nerves travel from the base of the skull through the scalp. This condition can result in severe pain and muscle spasms.

Causes

Occipital neuralgia can be caused by direct trauma to the back of the head or neck. It can be caused by overly tight muscles in the neck, or by compression of the nerve roots. It can develop as a result of osteoarthritis. A localized infection or tissue inflammation, or a tumor or lesion can cause occipital neuralgia. It can be caused by conditions such as gout or diabetes. And finally, it can develop from keeping the head in a downward and forward position for lengthy periods.

Symptoms

Symptoms of occipital neuralgia include piercing, throbbing, or electric-shock-like pain. This pain begins in the upper neck and then spreads upward to the back of the head and behind the ears. It usually affects only one side of the head, but it can be felt on both sides. In some cases the scalp becomes hypersensitive. Activities such as brushing or shampooing the hair or lying on a pillow can be painful. The person may experience muscle spasms in the neck and a reduced ability to flex or rotate the neck. The person may also experience extreme sensitivity to light, especially during a headache.

Treatment

Treatment options may include massage, physical therapy and medications designed to reduce inflammation. Options may also include nerve blocks and steroid injections. If those methods are not successful, surgery may be performed to decompress the painful nerve root. Another option is the implantation of a nerve stimulator to block painful occipital nerve signals.

Overview

This chronic condition is caused by a misfiring of the trigeminal nerve. An attack causes brief episodes of extreme, shooting pain.

About the Trigeminal Nerve

The trigeminal nerve consists of a thick root at the base of the brain and three branches that extend to the face. These branches sense touch and control the chewing muscles.

Why It Strikes

TN usually occurs when an artery or vein compresses the root of the trigeminal nerve, causing it to misfire. The nerve can also be irritated by a tumor or other disorder.

Triggering an Attack

Flashes of pain are often triggered by some type of contact with the face. Brushing teeth, applying makeup, shaving, eating, talking, or being exposed to wind can all trigger an episode.

Symptoms

A TN attack may last from a few seconds to a few minutes. People describe the pain as like a sudden burn or an electric shock, typically felt on only one side of the face. It’s an incredibly intense sensation that can be physically incapacitating.

Treatment

Treatment options include medication, various types of surgical procedures, and a radiology procedure called stereotactic radiosurgery (or Gamma Knife).

Overview

This condition, sometimes called a false brain tumor, is a buildup of cerebrospinal fluid pressure in the skull. It most commonly affects obese women ages 20 to 50. The reason it develops is unknown

About CSF

Cerebrospinal fluid, commonly called CSF is produced inside the brain. This colorless fluid absorbs shocks, carries nutrients and waste, and regulates pressure in the skull. It normally flows through and around the brain and down the spinal cord, where it is absorbed by the blood stream.

Excess CSF

In cases of pseudotumor cerebri, this normal flow of fluid becomes disrupted. Excess CSF builds up in the skull and presses against the brain. This pressure can damage the brain’s delicate tissue.

Symptoms

A patient who has this condition may experience a range of symptoms similar to the symptoms caused by an actual brain tumor. Symptoms may include headaches, nausea, blurred or double vision and pulsing sounds in the ears. It can cause permanent vision loss.

Treatment

Treatment options vary depending on the individual. Treatment may include weight loss, medications, and surgical implantation of a shunt to drain the excess fluid. After a diagnosis of pseudotumor cerebri, the patient will need to have periodic vision checkups.

Overview

Your brain is divided into left and right halves, called “hemispheres.” They specialize in different things. Because of this, a stroke on the right side of your brain can be very different from a stroke on the brain’s left side. Let’s look at some symptoms of a right brain stroke.

Left-side paralysis

Many people experience paralysis after stroke. One side of your face may droop, or you may have weakness in an arm or leg. But did you know that the hemispheres of the brain actually control movement on the opposite side of the body? So when a right brain stroke causes paralysis, the paralysis is on the body’s left side.

Spatial skills

For most people, the right side of the brain handles nonverbal, spatial skills. So a right brain stroke can cause you to misjudge the distance, size, speed and position of objects. This makes tasks such as picking up objects, fastening buttons or tying shoes hard to do. You may even have trouble noticing when something is upside down.

Other issues

A right brain stroke can affect your brain in other ways, too. You may find that you tend to ignore or forget people and things on the left side of your body. We call this “left side neglect.” You may have short-term memory problems. And some people experience a change in behavior. You may become more impulsive, and you may forget that you have some limitations.

Conclusion

No matter which side of your brain is affected, your doctor will create a care plan that is right for you. Recovering from stroke is hard, and it can take a long time. But If you follow the advice of your care team, you can make improvements and get back to the life you enjoy.

Overview

Your brain is divided into left and right halves,
called “hemispheres.” They specialize in different things. Because of this, a stroke on the left side of your brain can be very different from a stroke on the brain’s right side. Let’s look at some symptoms of a left brain stroke.

Right-side paralysis

Many people experience paralysis after stroke. One side of your face may droop, or you may have weakness in an arm or leg. But did you know that the hemispheres of the brain actually control movement on the opposite side of the body? So when a left brain stroke causes paralysis, the paralysis is on the body’s right side.

Speach and Language

For most people, the brain’s left hemisphere handles language and speech. So a left brain
stroke can cause a wide rage of speech and language problems. You may have trouble speaking, or trouble recalling words. You may be unable to speak. We call these speech problems “aphasia.”

Other issues

A right brain stroke can affect your brain in other ways, too. You may find that you tend to ignore or forget people and things on the left side of your body. We call this “left side neglect.” You may have short-term memory problems. And some people experience a change in behavior. You may become more impulsive, and you may forget that you have some limitations.

Conclusion

No matter which side of your brain is affected, your doctor will create a care plan that is right for you. Recovering from stroke is hard, and it can take a long time. But If you follow the advice of your care team, you can make improvements and get back to the life you enjoy

Overview

A migraine is an intense, throbbing headache that may be accompanied by nausea or dizziness. A migraine can last from hours to days.

Causes

Much about migraines isn’t understood. Many researchers believe that a migraine can be caused
by a change in hormone levels in the brain. Migraines can be triggered by stress, bright lights and certain smells. They can also be caused by medications, and by getting too little or too much sleep. Certain foods may trigger migraines. These include alcohol, aged cheeses, chocolate, and foods containing aspartame or MSG (monosodium
glutamate).

Symptoms

A typical migraine results in moderate to severe pain. This pain is often felt on only one side of the head. The pain may interfere with a person’s activities. Symptoms may also include nausea and sensitivity to light and sound. Some people see sparkling flashes of light, spots, or dazzling lines before a migraine. These are called “visual auras.”

Treatment

Migraines may be treated with pain-relieving medications and with rest in a darkened room.
People who experience migraines regularly may also take medications such as beta blockers or antihistamines. These can reduce the frequency and severity of the headaches.

Overview

This is a common type of headache that can be painful and frustrating for many people. It tends to start in the back of the head and then move forward to surround your head.

Causes

The exact cause of tension headaches is not fully understood. They were once believed to be caused by tense, contracted muscles in the neck and head. But research has shown they may be linked to a heightened sensitivity to pain and stress. This may stem from changes in brain chemicals called “neurotransmitters.”

Triggers

A tension headache can be triggered by stress, anxiety or fatigue. It can result from eye strain. It can be triggered by holding your head in one position for a long time. This can be a problem if you work with a computer all day, especially if your desk and chair are not set up comfortably for you. Medications can cause tension headaches. Alcohol
and drug use can, too. Some other triggers include overexertion, depression, arthritis, hormonal changes and certain foods.

Symptoms

The most common symptom of a tension headache is mild to moderate pain in your head. This pain is dull and aching. It can feel like a tight band surrounding your head. The muscles of your neck and shoulders may feel tense and tender. Your pain may last for a short time or for days. It may recur, and become a chronic problem.

Treatment

Treatment options depend on the cause and the severity of your headaches. You may benefit from medications. These can reduce your pain. They can reduce the frequency of your headaches. You may also benefit from relaxation techniques and a healthier lifestyle. Your healthcare provider can recommend a care plan that is right for your needs.

Overview

This is an injury that damages your brain. It results in brain dysfunction. It can severely impact your life.

Causes

A TBI can result from a violent blow to your head. Such an impact can cause your brain to slam against your skull. This can tear tissues and blood vessels. It can cause bleeding in and around your brain. A traumatic brain injury can also be caused by anything that penetrates your head and enters your brain. And, it can be caused by a piece of skull
being broken off and pushed into your brain. Falls, motor vehicle accidents, sports injuries and assaults are common causes of TBI.

Symptoms

Symptoms depend on how severely your brain is damaged. You may temporarily lose consciousness. You may experience headache, confusion and vision problems. You may have a ringing in your ears. You may have slurred speech. You may have problems with coordination and movement. You may have problems with memory and thinking. You may have changes in your emotions. Your symptoms can be mild, moderate or severe.

Treatment

Treatment options may involve emergency care to prevent further damage to your brain. You may need surgical procedures to correct damage to your skull and soft tissues. You may be placed in a coma temporarily so these injuries can be treated. You may need medications to control fluid and prevent seizures. As you recover from a TBI, you may benefit from therapies to help you relearn skills and daily activities. Your healthcare provider can create a care plan that is right for your needs.

Overview

This is a sudden burst of electrical activity in your brain. It overwhelms parts of your brain, usually for
no more than a few minutes. Most seizures don’t cause lasting harm.

Causes

Most commonly, seizures are caused by a brain disorder called “epilepsy.” If you have this disorder, you may have seizures frequently. But seizures can have other causes, too. They can be caused by a high fever, low blood sodium or lack of sleep. They can result from medications, and from alcohol or drug abuse. They can be caused by a head injury or a stroke. And, seizures can be triggered by a brain tumor.

Symptoms

Seizures cause a wide range of symptoms. Depending on the type of seizure, you may lose consciousness or awareness. You may make uncontrollable jerking movements. You may stare. You may have feelings of confusion, fear, anxiety or
déjà vu. And things may look, feel, taste or sound differently. Ask your doctor for a complete list of possible symptoms.

Treatment

Treatment depends on the type of seizure you’re experiencing. For some people, monitoring is all that’s needed. Or, medications may help. And some benefit from surgery. Your healthcare provider will create a care plan that’s right for you.

Overview

This is a slow down or blockage of the blood thatnormally flows to part of your brain. When it happens, your brain cells don’t get the oxygen and nutrients they need. Within minutes, they begin to die.

How does it happen?

Why does it happen? Well, sometimes a stroke iscaused by a blood clot trapped in a blood vessel inor near your brain. A clot may form when vessels are narrowed by plaque buildup. Or, a clot can travel to your brain from another part of your body. But not all strokes are caused by blood clots. You can also have a stroke if a blood vessel begins to leak in your brain, or into the space around it.

Symptoms

A stroke can cause serious symptoms, and thesesymptoms can happen suddenly. You may have aheadache and nausea. Your vision may blur. One side of your face or body may become weak or numb. Part of your face may droop. You may not be able to lift one arm. You may be dizzy, and unable to walk. You may become confused, and have trouble speaking or understanding words.

Treatment

A stroke is a medical emergency. Anyone who ishaving a stroke needs to get medical care as fastas possible. Your doctor will create a care plan that’s right for you.

Overview

This condition is a bulge that forms in the wall of a
weakened artery in the brain. This bulge can leak or
rupture, causing a stroke. An aneurysm can be
life-threatening.

How does it happen?

An aneurysm is typically caused by a thinning of the
arterial wall. This thinning can develop gradually
over time. Aneurysms often develop at the base of
arterial branches in the brain, because the arteries
are weakest at these points.

Symptoms

Aneurysms can cause a wide range of symptoms.
A small aneurysm that has not ruptured may not
cause noticeable symptoms. A large aneurysm that
has not ruptured may cause pain behind an eye. It
may impair vision, and may cause numbness or
weakness on one side of the face. When an
aneurysm ruptures, it often causes a sudden,
severe headache. This pain is frequently described
as the worst headache of the person’s life. A
ruptured aneurysm can also cause nausea,
stiffness of the neck, sensitivity to light, seizures,
confusion and loss of consciousness.

Treatment

Treatment options depend on the size and location
of the aneurysm and whether or not it has ruptured.
In many cases, an aneurysm can be treated with
surgical clipping or coil embolization. Other
treatment options include medications, pain
relievers, and the insertion of a drainage catheter or
shunt. Rehabilitative therapy may be required as a
part of recovery from a brain aneurysm.