Unruptured and Ruptured Brain Aneurysms

by | Jun 23, 2023

Having a brain aneurysm can feel like a ticking time bomb in your head. Understand the differences between unruptured and ruptured brain aneurysms to determine their potential risks and appropriate treatments. 

woman thinking deep in thought

Things to Know about Unruptured and Ruptured Brain Aneurysms

We go about our lives, rarely giving a second thought to the intricate workings of our brains. When it comes to your general well-being, there’s one aspect that deserves special attention: your brain. It’s the command center, the control panel, and the hub of your entire being.

But did you know that hidden within the complexities lie the tales of unruptured and ruptured brain aneurysms? They can impact our very existence. Don’t worry, though. Neurointervention specialist, Dr. Manish Taneja guides and sheds some light on unruptured and ruptured brain aneurysms and ensures you’re well-prepared for surprises that may come your way.

Types of Brain Aneurysms

When it comes to brain aneurysms, understanding the different types is crucial. The two primary brain types include:

1. Unruptured Brain Aneurysms

Unruptured brain aneurysms are abnormal bulges that develop in the walls of blood vessels in the brain. These bulges can occur anywhere in the brain and often go unnoticed, as they typically do not cause any symptoms. However, despite being asymptomatic, unruptured brain aneurysms can pose a risk and should not be ignored.

2. Ruptured Brain Aneurysms

Ruptured brain aneurysms occur when an unruptured aneurysm bursts, causing bleeding in the brain. This sudden bleeding, also known as a hemorrhage, can lead to life-threatening situations and requires immediate medical attention. Ruptured brain aneurysms are considered a medical emergency.

The Ultimate Guide to Brain Aneurysm post can help you learn about the causes, symptoms, and treatments for this potentially life-threatening condition. We provide care and treatments at our specialized brain aneurysm clinic at Supreme Vascular and Interventional Clinic in Singapore.

The Key Differences between Unruptured and Ruptured Brain Aneurysms

Understanding the differences between unruptured and ruptured brain aneurysms is crucial for determining their potential risks and appropriate treatments.

Life-Threatening Potential: While unruptured brain aneurysms are generally not immediately life-threatening, they can pose long-term risks if left untreated. On the other hand, ruptured brain aneurysms require immediate medical intervention due to the potential for severe complications, including brain damage or even death.

Unruptured Brain Aneurysm Symptoms 

  • Numbness or weakness on one side of the face
  • A drooping eyelid
  • Headache
  • Blurred or double vision
  • Dilated pupil of one eye
  • Pain behind and above one eye
  • As mentioned above, in a number of individuals, there may be no symptoms.

Ruptured Brain Aneurysm Symptoms

  • As in an unruptured brain aneurysm, blurred or double vision
  • A severe, sudden headache, which patients often describe as the “worst headache of their life”
  • Nausea and/or vomiting
  • Stiffness in the neck
  • Extreme sensitivity to light
  • Seizures
  • Loss of consciousness
  • Altered mental state or confusion

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.

It is estimated that about 20% of ruptured brain aneurysm patients will die immediately. Half of the remaining survivors do not have the same quality of life as before.


Unruptured Brain Aneurysms Treatment

Treatment options for unruptured brain aneurysms depend on factors such as aneurysm size, location, and the patient’s overall health. In many cases, smaller and more stable aneurysms are monitored regularly without immediate intervention. However, if an unruptured aneurysm is at high risk of rupture treatment options may include:

  • Endovascular Coiling: This minimally invasive procedure involves placing tiny metal coils within the aneurysm to promote blood clotting and prevent rupture.
  • Surgical Clipping: This procedure involves placing a metal clip around the aneurysm’s base to stop blood flow and prevent rupture.

Ruptured Brain Aneurysms Treatment

Treatment for ruptured brain aneurysms focuses on stabilizing the patient, stopping the bleeding, and preventing complications. The immediate steps may involve:

  1. Emergency Medical Care: This includes managing the bleeding, relieving pressure in the brain, and addressing any associated complications.
  2. Surgical Intervention: Based on the specific case, surgical procedures like aneurysm clipping or endovascular coiling may be performed to repair the aneurysm and prevent further bleeding.

Triggers to Brain Aneurysm Rupture

Certain factors can increase the risk of a brain aneurysm rupturing. The following are  known triggers:

  • High Blood PressureUncontrolled hypertension can strain blood vessels and increase the likelihood of rupture.
  • Smoking: Tobacco use weakens blood vessel walls, making them more prone to rupture.
  • Family History: Individuals with a family history of brain aneurysms have a higher risk of developing and rupturing aneurysms themselves.

Can You Survive a Ruptured Brain Aneurysm?

Surviving a brain aneurysm relies on factors like rupture severity, prompt medical care, and overall health. Seeking immediate emergency attention is crucial after experiencing a rupture to stabilize the patient and prevent further damage. Treatment options vary, including surgical procedures like aneurysm clipping or endovascular coiling.

Ahajournals “Guidelines for the Management of Patients With Unruptured Intracranial Aneurysms” shows that recovery involves a multidisciplinary approach with rehabilitative therapies and lifestyle modifications. Individual outcomes vary based on factors like brain damage extent and the need to monitor or treat unruptured aneurysms.

Supreme Vascular and Interventional Clinic Can Help with Brain Aneurysm

We understand the importance of finding the right healthcare professional who can provide an accurate diagnosis, personalized treatment, and compassionate care for brain aneurysms. If you are seeking assistance, we invite you to take the next step by filling in and submitting your contact information and inquiry details on our contact us page. Our professional brain aneurysm specialist in Singapore, Dr. Manish Taneja, is dedicated to helping you navigate your brain aneurysm journey with expertise and support.

Knowing the Dangers of a Brain Aneurysm

Dr. Manish Taneja, our brain aneurysm specialist at Supreme Vascular and Interventional Clinic, specializes in minimally invasive procedures for conditions such as brain aneurysm. We offer specialized care, prompt attention, and access to advanced imaging technology and procedures.

Understand brain aneurysms’ potential dangers and taking the first step towards seeking proper medical consultation. Learn more about the health indicators and afflictions to defuse this silent, dangerous ticking time bomb. Fortunately, there are minimally invasive treatment options to manage this condition effectively.

Understanding Brain Aneurysms

Brain aneurysms, simply put, are weak spots in the walls of blood vessels in your brain. These weak areas can balloon out and potentially rupture, leading to serious complications. While the exact causes are still being studied, factors like high blood pressure, smoking, and family history can increase the risk.

Consult a Seasoned Brain Aneurysm Specialist

Finding the right doctor is key to your journey towards treatment and recovery. Dr. Manish Taneja has treated thousands of patients and treated brain aneurysms ranging from one milimeter to four centimeters. He has treated a range of ages from the young up to the average age for brain aneurysms of around 35 to 60. Unfortunately, no one can predict a brain aneurysm and also the young and fit are at risk. A brain aneurysm rupture can even cause a young to pass away in their sleep. Stay informed about treatment options and receive a recommended course of action with a seasoned brain aneurysm specialist who can give you a clearer picture of what lies ahead.

Walking Time Bombs

With limited data in Singapore, Dr. Manish Taneja estimates that one in 100 people in the general community experience the condition in their lifetime. Brain aneurysms can go unnoticed or undetected – until it is too late. It’s when the brain aneurym ruptures, the results are grim.  It’s a less talked about condition and one of the reasons we don’t hear much about it is because brain aneurysm is often overlooked by heart disease, ischemic stroke, or breast cancer.

Knowing risk factors for a brain aneurysm is the first step in early detection and treatment:

  • Worst headache in life
  • Sudden sensitivity to light
  • Sudden stiffness of neck
  • Sudden sharp pain behind or above one eye
  • Sudden blurred or double vision
  • Sudden numbness and tingling in facial area
  • Sudden loss of consciousness.
  • Sudden confusion or change of mental status.
  • Seizure
  • Perceived “gun shot” noise or extremely loud “BOOM.”
  • Drooping eyelid, nausea and vomiting

It’s important to understand the potential dangers of brain aneurysms. A ruptured aneurysm can cause severe bleeding in the brain, leading to a stroke or even death. Even untreated aneurysms can have long-term effects on your health. That’s why regular follow-up care and monitoring are crucial to managing this condition effectively. Read more here about how detrimental a brain aneurysm can be when rupturing. 

Consult a Seasoned Brain Aneurysm Specialist

A consultation at our brain aneurysm clinic in Singapore  allows for timely intervention and improved outcomes. It’s important to receive professional treatment and care in the hands of the right doctor for you or your loved one.

The Supreme Vascular and Interventional Clinic offers state-of-the-art care and latest treatment options with brain aneurysm specialist, Dr. Manish Taneja. The newer technologies available for treating brain aneurysms enables him to treat almost all types of brain aneurysms using interventional techniques without open surgery. Arrange your appointment today.

Dr. Manish Taneja performing surgery

Brain Aneurysm Resources

Discover brain aneurysm resources that go beyond the basics designed for patients. Understand the meaning of  a brain aneurysm condition, the causes, symptoms, signs, and more. Connect with your brain health.

Put Brain Aneurysm on Your Health Radar

Did you experience the worst headache of your life? Could it be a brain aneurysm that ruptures, which means bleeding in the brain? Thoughts could be racing through your mind. Then what is the difference between unruptured (a weak or thin spot on an artery in the brain that balloons) or ruptured brain aneurysm? If you’re wondering, then the Supreme Vascular and Interventional Clinic is here to help. It’s important to look out for the tell-tale brain aneurysm symptoms, signs, causes, and risk factors.

Dr. Manish Taneja has been performing brain aneurysm treatments since 1995 from surgical clipping to latest minimally invasive procedures. Each patient is unique as is the size and location of the aneurysm. Your brain has different conditions to treat the aneurysm and artery vessel walls of a blood vessel in the brain. This calls for personalised brain aneurysm treatment depending on your symptoms, family, history, medication, and more. A simple CT scan could be just what the doctor ordered and the first step in early detection and prevention of a brain aneurysm. Come in for an easy consultation with our brain aneurysm specialist in Singapore to be on your health radar.

Other Health Conditions

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 neurointervention specialist, contact us. You can also call us at (+65) 6904 8084 for a consultation.