Aneurysm

With a vast network of doctors who specialize in vascular neurosurgery and aneurysms, you are in good hands at Banner Health. Our team of experts provides comprehensive care for aneurysms including medical, surgical and endovascular options.

What is a brain aneurysm?

A brain aneurysm, also called a cerebral aneurysm, is a bulge or ballooning in the wall of a blood vessel in the brain. It forms when a weak area in the blood vessel wall begins to stretch outward, similar to a balloon filling with water. 

Some brain aneurysms stay small and never cause symptoms. Others may grow larger and put pressure on nearby nerves or brain tissue. In serious cases, an aneurysm can rupture (burst) and cause bleeding in the brain. This type of bleeding is called a hemorrhagic stroke and is a medical emergency. 

Brain aneurysms can vary in size from very small to very large and can occur in different areas of the brain. 

What are the warning signs of a ruptured brain aneurysm? 

The most common symptoms of a ruptured brain aneurysm include: 

• Sudden severe headache (often described as the worst headache of your life) 
• Nausea and vomiting 
• Neck stiffness 
• Blurred or double vision 
• Sensitivity to light 
• Seizures 
• Loss of consciousness 

A ruptured aneurysm is a medical emergency. Call 911 immediately if these symptoms appear. 

Can you have a brain aneurysm without symptoms? 

Yes. Many people have unruptured brain aneurysms that do not cause symptoms. 

Small aneurysms often go unnoticed and may only be discovered during imaging tests done for another reason. However, some unruptured aneurysms can cause symptoms if they grow large enough to press on nearby nerves. 

Possible symptoms of an unruptured brain aneurysm include: 

• Headaches that don’t go away 
• Pain behind or above the eye 
• Blurred or double vision 
• Drooping eyelid 
• Numbness or weakness on one side of the face 

If your provider suspects an aneurysm, imaging tests can help confirm the diagnosis.  

How is an aneurysm different from a stroke?

While aneurysms and strokes may affect the brain in similar ways, they are not the same. An aneurysm is a weak area in a blood vessel that can rupture and bleed. A hemorrhagic stroke happens when a blood vessel in the brain ruptures, often due to an aneurysm. Although the terms are sometimes confused, aneurysms and strokes are different conditions.

Where can aneurysms occur in the body?

There are many types of aneurysms. They are most commonly found in the:

• Brain
• Aorta
• Behind the knee
• Spleen or intestines

They may be classified as ruptured or unruptured. If a brain aneurysm ruptures, it can cause a stroke, brain damage or death. Knowing the signs and symptoms is key to early action.

While this page focuses on brain aneurysms, aneurysms can occur in other parts of the body. For example, an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) affects the body’s largest artery in the abdomen and is treated differently than brain aneurysms. Some aneurysms outside the brain may be treated with devices such as stent grafts, while brain aneurysm care typically involves neurosurgical or endovascular approaches. In any location, aneurysms can affect blood flow and, in some cases, increase the risk of complications such as a blood clot. 

What causes a brain aneurysm and who is at risk?

Brain aneurysms often develop when the wall of a blood vessel becomes weak over time. Some people are born with blood vessels that are more likely to develop aneurysms, while others develop them due to lifestyle or medical factors.

Risk factors include:

Hereditary risk factors

• Family history of aneurysms (parent, sibling or child)
• Connective tissue disorders that weaken artery walls
• Polycystic kidney disease
• Arteriovenous malformations (AVMs)

Lifestyle-related risk factors

• Untreated high blood pressure
• Smoking
• Drug use, especially stimulants
• Poor diet and lack of exercise

Other contributing factors

• Age over 40
• Female sex
• Head trauma

How do doctors diagnose a brain aneurysm?

Doctors use imaging rests to look for aneurysms and determine their size and location. Test may include:

• CT angiogram (CTA) - Uses contrast dye to visualize blood vessels in the brain
• MRI or MRA - Provides detailed images of brain tissue and blood vessels
• Cerebral angiography - A specialized test that maps blood flow in brain arteries
• Cerebrospinal fluid analysis - Sometimes used if bleeding is suspected but not visible on imaging

When should you see a doctor for possible aneurysm symptoms? 

You should seek medical care right away if you experience: 

• A sudden severe headache 
• Vision problems or confusion 
• Neck stiffness with nausea or vomiting 
• Weakness or trouble speaking 

Early diagnosis can help doctors monitor aneurysms and recommend treatment before complications occur.

What are the treatment options for a brain aneurysm?

Treatment depends on the aneurysm's size, location and whether it has ruptured. Your doctor may recommend:

• Aneurysm clipping: A neurosurgeon makes a small opening in the skull to access the aneurysm. A metal clip is placed at the base to stop blood flow to the area. This high-risk procedure is done under general anesthesia and carries potential complications such as infection, bleeding and stroke.
• Endovascular aneurysm coiling: This minimally invasive option involves threading a catheter through a blood vessel to the aneurysm. A wire coil is placed to block blood flow and prevent rupture. It’s typically done with light sedation and has a shorter recovery time than open surgery.
• Flow diverters: Used mainly for large or complex aneurysms, these devices redirect blood flow away from the aneurysm and allow it to heal over time.

Your neurosurgeon will help you decide which treatment is best for your individual needs. 

Support after an aneurysm diagnosis or rupture

The specialists at Banner Brain & Spine are here to help you through recovery and beyond. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with an aneurysm, contact us today to learn more about your care options.