Explore effective brain aneurysm treatment options, from surgical clipping to minimally invasive endovascular procedures. Learn about the latest advancements in aneurysm care with personalized approaches at Supreme Vascular and Interventional Clinic.

What is a Brain Aneurysm?

Brain aneurysm is bulging or ballooning of a weakened blood vessel supplying the brain. Brain aneurysms are present in 1 to 2% of population. The commonest age group affected is 40-60 years.  If left untreated, a brain aneurysm may expand and rupture causing a haemorrhage (bleeding), neurological complications, and at worst, death.

Learn about the most common haemorrhage, which happens in the subarachnoid space. This is located between the skull bone and brain that makes it a life-threatening condition.

What are the Types of Brain Aneurysm?

There are three types of brain aneurysms.

• Saccular: A saccular aneurysm is the most common type of brain aneurysm. It is characterized by a small, rounded outpouching or sac that forms on the side of an artery in the brain. These aneurysms have a neck or stem connecting them to the main artery, and they often resemble a berry-like shape. Saccular aneurysms are more likely to rupture compared to other types.
• Fusiform: A fusiform aneurysm is a less common type and has a different shape compared to saccular aneurysms. It appears as a long, spindle-shaped dilation of the blood vessel, without a distinct neck or stem. Fusiform aneurysms typically involve the entire circumference of the artery and are often associated with underlying issues such as atherosclerosis or a weakening of the arterial wall. They are generally less likely to rupture than saccular aneurysms.
• Wide-necked: A wide-necked aneurysm is not a distinct subtype but rather a characteristic that can be present in either saccular or fusiform aneurysms. It refers to an aneurysm where the neck or opening of the sac is relatively broad, making it more challenging to treat with certain endovascular techniques like coiling. Specialized devices such as stents or flow diverters may be used to treat wide-necked aneurysms.

Risk Factors of a Brain Aneurysm

The most common signs and symptoms of ruptured aneurysms include:

• Family history
• Smoking
• High blood pressure, also known as hypertension
• Polycystic kidney disease
• Sensitivity to Light
• Stiff Neck
• The Worst Headache Of Your Life 
• Pain Behind One Eye

Understanding how to differentiate between dangerous and common primary and secondary categories of headaches is the first step to getting the ideal treatment you require. Read this article if you find yourself asking, “Is My Brain Aneurysm a Headache?”. 

Brain Aneurysm Treatment Options

Flow Diversion

Flow diversion is an innovative and minimally invasive treatment option for complex or wide-necked brain aneurysms. It is a great option for aneurysms that may not be suited for traditional coiling or clipping technique. The advantages include shorter recovery times and a less invasive approach and a significant advancement in the field of neurovascular surgery. 

This procedure uses a specialized stent-like device, known as a flow diverter, within the affected blood vessel. It appears like a braided cylindrical mesh device, which is implanted across the aneurysm neck. With this innovative treatment and using the device, the blood flow into the brain aneurysm will slow down. As time passes, blood will no longer enter the aneurysm. 

The flow diverter redirects blood flow away from the aneurysm and the body naturally heals working with the device. The aneurysm can shrink over time and becomes sealed off from the circulation, reducing the risk of rupture. 

Endovascular Coil Embolisation

Endovascular coil embolization is another minimally invasive and effective treatment for brain aneurysms. During this procedure, a thin catheter is guided through the arteries, usually from the groin, to the site of the aneurysm. Platinum coils are then carefully inserted into the aneurysm sac, filling it and inducing clot formation.

This process effectively seals off the aneurysm from the circulation, reducing the risk of rupture. Endovascular coil embolization offers several advantages, including quicker recovery times and less invasive entry compared to traditional surgical methods. It is particularly well-suited for smaller aneurysms and can often be performed with high success rates, providing a crucial alternative to open surgery for many patients with brain aneurysms. A well-known alternative to surgical ones, it can obliterate the aneurysm. 

Microvascular Coiling  

Microvascular clipping is a traditional surgical technique for treating brain aneurysms. In this procedure, a brain aneurysm specialist performs the procedure to identify the blood vessel the feeds the aneurysm utilizing a microscope and places a small clothespin-like clip on the neck of the aneurysm. Expertly using a microscope for precision, it is placed at the base of the aneurysm, isolating it from the surrounding blood vessels and preventing blood flow into the aneurysm sac. Microvascular clipping is highly effective for securing the aneurysm and is particularly suitable for complex or large aneurysms, as well as those with irregular shapes. Although it is more invasive than endovascular methods, it remains a vital and successful treatment option, particularly when coiling or flow diversion may not be suitable for the specific case.

Note: If you believe someone displays symptoms of a ruptured brain aneurysm, you must seek medical assistance immediately. Timely diagnosis and treatment can improve the chances of survival and reduce severe complications due to a debilitating stroke, for example. Learn more about the key differences between an unruptured and ruptured brain aneurysm.

Brain aneurysm is a fully treatable and curable condition. We provide care and treatments at our specialized brain aneurysm clinic at Supreme Vascular and Interventional Clinic in Singapore. Reach out to us and our brain aneurysm specialist, Dr. Manish Taneja, if you experience any of these warning signs and symptoms. 

Other Health Conditions

Venous Diseases (Varicose Veins)

The Supreme Vascular and Interventional Clinic is your “go-to” facility for various conditions and treatments. To arrange an appointment with Dr. Manish Taneja, our brain aneurysm specialist, contact us. You can also call us at (+65) 6904 8084 for a consultation.