A bulge in a weakened area of a brain artery wall may carry a risk of rupture and requires an individualized risk assessment.
When to seek emergency care
If any of the following signs occur, call *3003 immediately — do not wait for a routine appointment:
- A sudden, worst-ever headache
- Loss of consciousness
- Neck stiffness
- Vomiting and sensitivity to light
- Neurological weakness and seizures
What is it?
A ruptured aneurysm can cause a subarachnoid hemorrhage. This is an acute, life-threatening condition. Therefore, when an aneurysm is found, its risk must be assessed carefully and individually.
Symptoms
- Often asymptomatic
- Headache
- Visual disturbance
- Pain around the eye
- Signs of nerve compression
- Sudden severe headache when rupture occurs
Causes & risk factors
- Family history of aneurysm
- Smoking
- High blood pressure
- Certain connective tissue disorders
- Previous subarachnoid hemorrhage
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is not based on a single test alone. Symptoms, risk factors, physical examination, and instrumental findings are assessed together.
- CT angiography
- MR angiography
- Cerebral angiography
- Neurological and neurosurgical assessment
- Comparison of risk measurements
Treatment approaches
Treatment is individualized according to disease severity, the patient’s overall condition, comorbidities, and procedural risk.
- Observation and periodic imaging
- Blood pressure control and smoking cessation
- Endovascular coiling or stent-assisted treatment in selected cases
- Neurosurgical clipping in selected cases
How we help
At the center, a brain aneurysm is assessed using a neurovascular team approach. Based on the imaging findings, monitoring, endovascular treatment, or neurosurgical referral is discussed.
When a procedure may be needed
The aneurysm’s size, shape, location, growth pattern, symptoms, and familial risk may determine whether intervention is appropriate.
Patient checklist
- Call emergency services for a sudden, worst-ever headache
- Bring CT/MRI images
- Keep blood pressure under control
- Avoid smoking
FAQ
Does every brain aneurysm need to be treated?
No. Small, low-risk aneurysms may be monitored. Risk is assessed individually.
Does an aneurysm cause headaches?
Often it does not. A sudden, very severe headache may be a sign of rupture.
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