Aneurysm in the brain

Injury	Disease	Nutrition	Poison

Symptoms	Surgery	Test	Special Topic

Cerebral aneurysm

Aneurysm in the brain

Alternative Names:

Aneurysm - cerebral; Cerebral aneurysm
Treatment:

Because symptoms often do not appear until bleeding occurs, a ruptured cerebral aneurysm is an emergency condition when it is discovered. The goal of treatment is to control symptoms and prevent further bleeding. Lowering blood pressure can reduce the risk of further bleeding.

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Neurosurgery is the primary treatment for cerebral aneurysm. The base of the aneurysm is closed off with clamps, sutures, or other methods that prevent blood flow through the aneurysm. In many cases, special coils can be placed into the aneurysm through the arteries.

This causes a clot to form in the aneurysm and prevents further bleeding. This is considered a less invasive approach than brain surgery, and in the appropriate circumstances, it is regarded as the best form of treatment.

If surgery is not feasible because of the location or size of the aneurysm or the condition of the person, medical treatment is similar to treatment for subarachnoid hemorrhage.

This may include restricting activity (often complete bedrest is advised), treating symptoms such as headache, controlling blood pressure, and prescribing preventive use of antiseizure medications.

Once the aneurysm is repaired, prevention of stroke due to blood vessel spasm may be necessary. This may include intravenous fluids, certain medications, and actually letting one's blood pressure run high.

Expectations (prognosis):

The outcome varies. The best indicator for prognosis is the patient's status after the aneurysm ruptures. Patients who are deeply comatose after an aneurysm rupture generally don't do as well as those with minimal symptoms.

A cerebral aneurysm that does not rupture may not cause any symptoms. If one is discovered which has not ruptured, treatment must be considered carefully. The risks related to brain surgery are high and attempting to prevent the aneurysm from rupturing by operating on it may actually cause rupture and all the potential problems that can result.

However, about 25% of ruptured cerebral aneurysms are fatal within 24 hours. Approximately another 25% are fatal within about 3 months. Of the remaining people with ruptured cerebral aneurysm, more than 50% will have some sort of permanent disability.

Complications:

Subarachnoid hemorrhage
Stroke
Seizures, epilepsy
Paralysis of any part of the body
Permanent loss of sensation of any part of the face or body
Other neurologic deficits (such as vision changes, loss of speech ability, cognitive decline)
Communicating hydrocephalus

Calling your health care provider:

Go to the emergency room or call the local emergency number (such as 911) if sudden or severe headache occurs, particularly if accompanied by nausea, vomiting, seizures, or any other neurologic symptom. Also call if you experience a headache that is unusual for you.