Aneurysm

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

What is a brain aneurysm?

A cerebral (brain) aneurysm is a bulge or ballooning in the wall of a blood vessel in the brain. It occurs when there is a weak spot in the blood vessel wall that bulges outward, like a balloon that is filling with water. Cerebral aneurysms can range in size from very small to very large, and they can occur anywhere in the brain. If an aneurysm ruptures (bursts), it can cause bleeding into the brain (hemorrhage), which can be life-threatening.

The most common symptoms of a ruptured cerebral aneurysm include:

• Severe headache
• Nausea and vomiting
• Neck stiffness
• Loss of consciousness

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. Though the terms are sometimes used interchangeably, it's important to understand their differences.

What are the risk factors for aneurysms?

Aneurysm risk factors include genetic conditions, lifestyle choices and demographic traits (such as gender and age). Some of these include:

Hereditary risk factors:

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

Lifestyle-related risk factors:

• Untreated high blood pressure
• Smoking
• Drug abuse
• Poor diet

Other contributing factors:

• Age (risk increases after age 40)
• Gender (women are more likely to develop aneurysms than men)
• Head trauma

Some research connects brain aneurysm and dementia. Lower your risk of an aneurysm by eating healthy, controlling blood pressure, exercising regularly and quitting smoking.

Where can aneurysms occur in the body?

Aneurysms can develop in many areas but are most commonly fond 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.

What are the signs and symptoms of an aneurysm?

Symptoms depend on whether the aneurysm has ruptured. 

Symptoms of a ruptured aneurysm include:

• Sudden, severe headache
• Nausea and vomiting
• Blurred or double vision
• Neck stiffness
• Weakness
• Trouble speaking
• Seizure
• Loss of consciousness
• Confusion

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, call 911 immediately.

How is a brain aneurysm diagnosed?

If you're having severe headaches or other symptoms, your doctor may use the following imaging and diagnostic tools:

• CT angiogram (CTA) 
• MRI
• Cerebral angiography
• Cerebrospinal fluid analysis

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.