Discovering a brain aneurysm during a scan can be unsettling, but it also gives you and your healthcare team valuable time to explore your options. A brain aneurysm is a weak area in a blood vessel in the brain that can bulge outward. If it ruptures, it becomes a serious emergency requiring immediate treatment. Whether your aneurysm is diagnosed at NGMC or you are looking for a second opinion, we can help.
When an aneurysm is found before it ruptures, there is often time to consider different approaches. In some cases, doctors may recommend monitoring the aneurysm with regular check-ups to watch for any changes. In other cases, they may suggest treating it early to prevent future complications. Treatment options include open surgery, where the aneurysm is repaired directly, or a less invasive endovascular procedure, which uses small catheters and imaging to fix the aneurysm from inside the blood vessels. While all treatments carry some risk, repairing an aneurysm before it ruptures can help avoid a life-threatening emergency. It’s important to talk with your doctor to understand the best approach for your specific situation.
An aneurysm is a bulge or balloon-like swelling that forms in a blood vessel due to a weakened section of the vessel wall. Over time, the pressure of blood flowing through the vessel can cause this weak spot to stretch and expand. Aneurysms can develop in any blood vessel in the body, but when they occur in the brain, they are known as brain aneurysms. These form in the arteries that supply oxygen-rich blood to the brain.
If a brain aneurysm grows too large or ruptures, it can lead to serious complications such as bleeding in the brain, stroke, or even death. However, many brain aneurysms are small and may not cause symptoms, especially if they are found early.
The symptoms of an aneurysm depend on its location and whether it has ruptured. Not all aneurysms cause symptoms, and some aneurysms may be discovered during a medical test for another condition. Some common symptoms after rupture include:
- A sudden, severe headache
- Changes in mental status
- Vision changes, such as double vision or temporary blindness
- Numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg on one side of the body
- Seizures
A ruptured brain aneurysm can cause life-threatening bleeding in the brain. Do not attempt to drive yourself or the person to the hospital—call emergency services right away.
There are several factors that can increase the risk of developing an aneurysm, including:
- High blood pressure
- Smoking
- Illicit stimulant drug use
- Family history of aneurysms
- Certain genetic conditions such as Polycystic Kidney Disease
- Atherosclerosis, the buildup of plaque in artery walls causing artery wall weakness
- Rare cases of trauma
It’s important to note that in some cases, the cause of an aneurysm is unknown.
A ruptured aneurysm can cause serious complications, including stroke, brain damage, and even death. The prognosis for a person who has had a ruptured aneurysm depends on several factors, including the location of the aneurysm, the severity of the bleeding, and the person’s overall health.
Treatment for a ruptured brain aneurysm typically involves emergency surgery or endovascular procedures to stop the bleeding and repair the vessel. Medications may also be used to control blood pressure, prevent complications like vasospasm, and manage symptoms such as pain or seizures. Prompt treatment is critical to reduce the risk of brain damage or death.
Brain Aneurysm Surgery
Brain aneurysms are typically treated using one of two main techniques:
- Neurosurgical clipping: This is an open surgery where a surgeon makes an incision in the skull and places a small metal clip at the base of the aneurysm to permanently stop blood flow into it.
- Endovascular coiling: This minimally invasive procedure involves guiding a catheter through an artery—usually in the groin or arm—up to the brain. Tiny coils are then inserted into the aneurysm to block blood flow and seal it off from the artery.
Choosing NGHS for Brain Aneurysm Repair
Northeast Georgia Health System (NGHS) offers one of the most advanced and comprehensive neuroscience programs in Georgia, with specialized expertise in brain aneurysm diagnosis and repair. Our team carefully evaluates each patient’s condition—considering factors like the size and location of the aneurysm, risk of rupture, age, and overall health—to determine whether aneurysm repair is the best course of action. This personalized approach ensures that every patient receives the safest and most effective treatment plan.
Getting Started
If you have a brain aneurysm and you’re wondering if this may be the right option for you, or if you are looking for a second opinion on your treatment options, contact our neurointerventional surgery team today to schedule an appointment.
