Sudden vision loss caused by a cerebral aneurysm

A 41-year-old female patient who suddenly lost her vision due to a giant brain aneurysm was just saved by surgeons. The patient, originally from Quang Binh and working as a teacher, initially experienced blurred vision and sought treatment at a local hospital. After being diagnosed with an eye disease and receiving unsuccessful treatment, an MRI scan at Hue Central Hospital revealed a giant aneurysm of the internal carotid artery at the end of last year.

Despite having a stent placed in Hue, the aneurysm continued to grow, leading to a gradual loss of vision in both eyes. After seeking medical treatment for about 3 months with no progress, the patient was examined at Viet Duc Hospital, where it was discovered that the aneurysm posed a serious threat of bursting and causing complete blindness in the left eye, with only 2/10 vision remaining in the right eye. Dr. Duong Duc Hung, the Director of Viet Duc Hospital, described the case as one of the serious and difficult cases in treating carotid artery aneurysms.

Consulting with experts from the Department of Neurosurgery 2, it was decided to operate on the patient using artery bypass surgery and internal carotid artery reconstruction. Despite the risks involved in blocking the artery in both directions to cut the aneurysm, the surgery was successful after a 6-hour procedure. Two weeks post-surgery, the patient’s condition is stable, and her vision has significantly improved, allowing her to walk on her own.

A brain aneurysm is a bulging blood vessel in the brain that can cause various symptoms, including headaches, blurred vision, or loss of vision if left untreated. Giant aneurysms, which account for 20% of all brain aneurysms, pose a high risk of rupture if not promptly intervened. Treatment options for cerebral carotid artery aneurysms include endovascular intervention or surgical treatment.

Brain aneurysms are often referred to as silent killers due to their potential to cause serious complications, such as numbness, weakness, headaches, dizziness, or loss of consciousness. Rupture of a brain aneurysm is a life-threatening condition that requires immediate and proper treatment. Prompt intervention and treatment are crucial in managing cerebral aneurysms to prevent further complications.