Brain aneurysm is bulging or ballooning of a blood vessel supplying the brain. Brain aneurysms are present in 1 to 2% of population. The commonest age group affected is 40-60 years.
Now with new coils, stents, and flow diverters, more than 90 percent of aneurysms can be treated with this approach.
Conversation with Dr. Manish Taneja, Neurointervention and Brain Aneurysm Specialist and Mount Alvernia Hospital
Important Breakthroughs in Treatment of Neurological Conditions
- Mount Alvernia: What are some of the most important recent breakthroughs in the treatment of neurological conditions?
Dr. Manish Taneja: One of the most important recent advances has been in clot removal for acute stroke and better endovascular devices for the management of brain aneurysms. Just a decade back, only 50 to 60 percent of aneurysms could be treated with a minimally invasive approach. Now with new coils, stents, and flow diverters, more than 90 percent of aneurysms can be treated with this approach. (We provide care for brain aneurysm treatments at Supreme Vascular and Interventional Clinic in Singapore.)
- Mount Alvernia: Given Singapore's ageing population, do you think that people are becoming more aware of the modifiable risk factors for conditions such as stroke and dementia, and taking preventive measures?
Dr. Manish Taneja: Our Singapore community is by and large well aware of health-related issues. We are fortunate to have one of the best healthcare systems on the planet in both public and private practice, which is unique. Of course, patient education is a process that is constantly evolving as our understanding and practice evolves.
How to Prevent A Neurological Condition
- Mount Alvernia: If you were to give Singaporeans one piece of advice in terms of preventing neurological conditions, what would it be?
Dr. Manish Taneja: Please choose an active healthy lifestyle and get check-ups on a regular basis. It is better to prevent a neurological condition, if possible, rather than to treat it. (Read about effective prevention of a brain aneurysm in our blog post, "The Ultimate Guide to Brain Aneurysm".)
How to Look after Your Neurological Health
- Mount Alvernia: How do you look after your own neurological and general health in your day to day life?
Dr. Manish Taneja: I exercise regularly stay fit and eat a healthy diet. I also enjoy life to the fullest!
- Mount Alvernia: What is the most rewarding or fulfilling aspect of practising neurology?
Dr. Manish Taneja: Getting a patient well. There's nothing better than hearing a patient who has fully recovered say 'thank you' with a smile on their face!
Source: Mount Alvernia Hospital
When to Consider a Brain Aneurysm Specialist Assessment in Singapore
A brain aneurysm diagnosis can raise important questions about treatment options, long-term monitoring and the risk of complications. A specialist assessment can help you understand your condition and make informed decisions about your care.
Consider seeking specialist assessment if you:
- Have been diagnosed with a brain aneurysm through MRI, CT scan or angiography
- Have an unruptured brain aneurysm and want to understand your treatment options
- Have a family history of brain aneurysms or related cerebrovascular conditions
- Have been advised to consider procedures such as coiling, stent-assisted coiling or other endovascular treatments
- Want a specialist opinion about monitoring, treatment timing or minimally invasive options
A neurointerventional specialist can review your imaging, assess the characteristics of the aneurysm and discuss the most suitable management approach based on your individual circumstances.
Seek emergency medical attention immediately if you experience a sudden severe headache, loss of consciousness, new weakness, difficulty speaking or sudden neurological changes, as these may indicate a ruptured brain aneurysm.
Visit the Supreme Vascular and Interventional Clinic for Brain Aneurysm Treatment Options
This article is part of our guide to brain aneurysm treatment and minimally invasive care. For a complete overview, visit our Brain Aneurysm Treatment Decision Guide. At our specialized brain aneurysm clinic in Singapore, we are committed to providing expert care and tailored treatments to ensure the best possible outcomes for our patients' health and well-being.
Common Questions About Brain Aneurysm Advances and Care
What are the latest advances in brain aneurysm treatment?
Advances in brain aneurysm care have focused on improving treatment safety, precision and recovery through minimally invasive techniques. Endovascular procedures such as coiling, stent-assisted coiling and flow diversion allow specialists to treat many aneurysms through catheter-based approaches instead of traditional open surgery where appropriate.
How has brain aneurysm treatment changed over the years?
Brain aneurysm treatment has evolved from mainly open surgical approaches to include more advanced image-guided procedures. Improvements in imaging, devices and neurointerventional techniques now allow specialists to tailor treatment based on the aneurysm's size, location and individual patient factors.
What specialist treats brain aneurysms?
Brain aneurysms are managed by specialists with expertise in cerebrovascular conditions, including neurointerventional specialists and neurosurgeons. A neurointerventional specialist focuses on minimally invasive, image-guided treatments performed through the blood vessels, such as aneurysm coiling and other endovascular procedures.
Are minimally invasive treatments suitable for all brain aneurysms?
Not every brain aneurysm requires the same approach. Treatment suitability depends on factors such as aneurysm size, location, shape, whether it has ruptured and the patient's overall health. A specialist assessment helps determine whether monitoring, endovascular treatment or another approach is most appropriate.
Why is early assessment important for a brain aneurysm?
Some brain aneurysms may not cause symptoms until complications occur. Early specialist assessment allows the aneurysm to be evaluated, risks to be considered and an appropriate management plan developed based on the individual's condition.
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? Thoughts could be racing through your mind. A brain aneurysm is a weak spot in a blood vessel in the brain that can change over time. The key concern is when an aneurysm ruptures, which can disrupt blood flow, affect brain tissue, and lead to serious brain damage. Controllable conditions like high blood pressure can increase this risk and treatment options can depend on the condition. Surgical clipping is one option that prevents blood from entering the weakened area. In many cases, minimally invasive treatments can also be used to restore normal blood flow and reduce risk. We have created structured guides to help you explore each stage in more detail:
A simple (computed tomography) 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.
Neurointerventional Treatments
The Supreme Vascular and Interventional Clinic is your "go-to" facility for various neurological conditions and pain management. 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.