How to check for intracranial aneurysm

The examination of intracranial aneurysms requires accurate evaluation through imaging methods such as CT angiography, magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) and digital subtraction angiography (DSA). These examinations can help doctors determine the size and location of the aneurysm and whether there is a risk of rupture, so as to develop a more appropriate treatment plan.

1) CT angiography (CTA): CTA is a rapid, non-invasive examination method suitable for preliminary screening. Through the injection of iodine-containing contrast agent and CT scanning, it can clearly show the direction of intracranial blood vessels, the location of aneurysms, and their relationship with surrounding tissues. This method is often used for the initial diagnosis of patients with acute ruptured aneurysms or suspected aneurysms.

2) Magnetic resonance angiography (MRA): MRA is a type of examination that does not require the use of iodine-containing contrast agents. It uses magnetic resonance technology to image the intracranial vascular structure and is particularly suitable for patients with iodine allergy or renal insufficiency. Its accuracy in detecting aneurysms is slightly inferior to that of CTA and DSA, but it is ideal for screening small and medium-sized aneurysms and avoids radiation exposure.

3) Digital subtraction angiography (DSA): Considered the "gold standard" for the diagnosis of intracranial aneurysms, it can display the size, shape, and complex anatomical structure of the surrounding blood vessels with high resolution. This method requires inserting a catheter into the blood vessels and injecting contrast agents. Although it has the highest accuracy, it is an invasive examination and has a certain risk of complications. Therefore, it is mainly used for difficult cases or preoperative evaluation.

When conducting these examinations, the doctor will make a comprehensive judgment based on the patient's symptoms, health status and family medical history to select the appropriate examination method. At the same time, in order to avoid missed diagnosis, it is very important for people with obvious symptoms of subarachnoid hemorrhage (such as sudden severe headache, nausea and vomiting, changes in consciousness, etc.) or a family history of aneurysm to seek medical attention and undergo the above examinations in a timely manner.

Screening and diagnosis of intracranial aneurysms requires the selection of professional medical institutions and experienced doctors for evaluation to ensure that appropriate treatment measures are taken as early as possible based on the examination results, such as observation, interventional treatment, or craniotomy repair.