Also called intracranial, cerebral or berry aneurysm, the aneurysm forms because an artery in the brain has a weak spot. The weak and vulnerable spot will balloon or bulge as blood pumps through the brain’s blood vessel. The “ballooning” will create aneurysms.
Introduction to Brain Aneurysm: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prognosis
A brain aneurysm is a ballooning or bulge in a blood vessel in the brain. This post provides essential information on brain aneurysms—their causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis. Finally, we will suggest some basic lifestyle practices that will help prevent a brain aneurysm.
What Are the Causes of a Brain Aneurysm?
Although the exact causes of a brain aneurysm aren't always clear, several factors can contribute to the ballooning caused by the weakening of blood vessel walls. Those underlying causes include:
- high blood pressure, or hypertension
- a family history of brain aneurysms
- the age and gender of the patient
- smoking and drug abuse
- atherosclerosis—plaque buildup in the arteries
- in rare cases, head injury or infection of the blood vessel walls
You were born with some causes and risk factors while others can be changed.
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Common Questions About Brain Aneurysms
What is a brain aneurysm and is it always dangerous?
A brain aneurysm is a weakened area in the wall of a brain artery that balloons outward. Many brain aneurysms remain small and may never cause symptoms or rupture. However, some aneurysms have a higher risk of rupture depending on factors such as their size, location, shape and a patient's overall health.
Because every aneurysm is different, a specialist assessment is important to determine whether monitoring or treatment is the most appropriate approach.
At the Supreme Vascular and Interventional Clinic, each patient receives an individualised assessment to evaluate aneurysm characteristics and discuss the most suitable management plan.
What are the symptoms of a brain aneurysm?
Many unruptured brain aneurysms do not cause symptoms and are discovered incidentally during imaging for another condition.
When symptoms do occur, they may include:
- Persistent or severe headaches
- Vision changes or double vision
- Eye pain
- Facial numbness or weakness
- Difficulty with balance or coordination in some cases
If a brain aneurysm ruptures, symptoms usually develop suddenly and require immediate emergency medical attention. These may include:
- A sudden, severe headache
- Loss of consciousness
- Nausea and vomiting
- Neck stiffness
- Seizures
- Difficulty speaking or weakness on one side of the body
Prompt medical treatment is critical if a ruptured brain aneurysm is suspected.
How is a brain aneurysm diagnosed?
Brain aneurysms are diagnosed using imaging studies that allow specialists to examine the blood vessels supplying the brain.
Depending on the individual situation, investigations may include:
- CT brain scan
- CT angiography (CTA)
- MRI brain scan
- MR angiography (MRA)
- Cerebral angiography (digital subtraction angiography)
These investigations help determine the aneurysm's size, location, shape and relationship to surrounding blood vessels, allowing a personalised treatment plan to be developed.
At the Supreme Vascular and Interventional Clinic, imaging findings are carefully reviewed to help patients understand their diagnosis and available treatment options.
What treatment options are available for a brain aneurysm?
Treatment depends on whether the aneurysm has ruptured, its risk of rupture and the patient's overall health.
Management options may include:
- Careful monitoring with follow-up imaging
- Endovascular coiling
- Stent-assisted coiling
- Flow diversion
- Surgical clipping in selected cases
Minimally invasive endovascular procedures can be suitable for many patients, although the best treatment depends on the aneurysm's anatomy and individual clinical factors.
At the Supreme Vascular and Interventional Clinic, treatment recommendations are personalised to balance safety, long-term outcomes and each patient's specific needs.
Can a brain aneurysm be treated without open brain surgery?
Yes. Many brain aneurysms can now be treated using minimally invasive neurointerventional techniques without requiring open brain surgery.
Depending on the aneurysm, treatment may include:
- Endovascular coiling
- Stent-assisted coiling
- Flow diversion
These procedures are performed using a catheter inserted through a blood vessel, allowing specialists to reach the aneurysm without opening the skull.
Not every aneurysm is suitable for minimally invasive treatment, and the most appropriate approach depends on detailed imaging and specialist assessment.
At the Supreme Vascular and Interventional Clinic, patients receive comprehensive evaluation to determine whether minimally invasive treatment is appropriate for their condition.
What are the Symptoms of a Brain Aneurysm?
Typically, you will experience symptoms once the blood vessel actually ruptures or becomes large enough to press up against surrounding structures in the brain. However, symptoms will depend on the size of the aneurysm, its location, and whether or not the aneurysm has ruptured.
Unruptured Brain Aneurysm Symptoms Include:
- 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
Ruptured Brain Aneurysm Symptoms Include:
- 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. Learn more about the key differences between an unruptured and ruptured brain aneurysm.
How is a Brain Aneurysm Detected/Diagnosed?
The neurologist and neurosurgeon rely on a variety of imaging tests. The images produced by the following methods visualize the blood vessels in the brain to detect abnormalities:
- MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)—uses a magnetic field and radio waves to generate detailed images
- MRA (Magnetic Resonance Angiography)—a type of MRI that uses a contrast dye to detect and analyze aneurysms in the brain
- Cerebral Angiogram—an invasive test where a specially trained physician inserts a catheter into an artery in the patient's groin and guides the catheter to the blood vessels in the brain, followed by injection of a contrast dye and X-ray images.
What is the Treatment Plan Employed by a Brain Doctor Near Me for Brain Aneurysm?
Treatment depends on the size, location, and whether the aneurysm has ruptured. The plan can be as simple as monitoring for a small unruptured, asymptomatic aneurysm. The monitoring can include blood pressure, pain control, or seizure prevention medication. Other more invasive treatments include endovascular coiling and surgical clipping to block blood flow to weakened blood vessels in the brain.
We provide brain aneurysm care and treatment options at our specialized brain aneurysm clinic at Supreme Vascular and Interventional Clinic in Singapore.
What is the Prognosis of a Brain Aneurysm?
As in the treatment plan, the prognosis depends on the size, location, and whether the aneurysm has ruptured. Unruptured
What is the Most Effective Prevention of a Brain Aneurysm?
According to the Mayo Clinic and other sources, the best preventive measures to reduce the risk of a brain aneurysm include the following 7 basic lifestyle practices:
- Monitor your blood pressure
- Manage stress
- Don't use tobacco
- Limit alcohol consumption
- Maintain a healthy diet
- Exercise regularly
- Maintain a healthy weight
When to Consider a Brain Aneurysm Specialist Assessment
A brain aneurysm diagnosis can raise important questions about whether treatment is necessary, what the risk of rupture may be and which management approach is most appropriate.
A specialist assessment helps evaluate the aneurysm's characteristics, review imaging findings and determine whether monitoring, minimally invasive treatment or another approach is recommended.
Consider seeking a brain aneurysm specialist assessment if you:
- Have been diagnosed with a brain aneurysm on CT, MRI or cerebral angiography
- Have an unruptured brain aneurysm and would like to understand your treatment options
- Have been advised to consider procedures such as endovascular coiling, stent-assisted coiling, flow diversion or surgical clipping
- Have concerns that your aneurysm may have changed in size or appearance on follow-up imaging
- Have a family history of brain aneurysms or other vascular conditions and would like specialist advice
- Want a second opinion regarding your diagnosis or recommended treatment plan
- Have undergone previous brain aneurysm treatment and require ongoing follow-up
A neurointerventional specialist can assess the aneurysm's size, location, shape and rupture risk to determine whether observation, minimally invasive treatment or another management strategy is most appropriate.
At the Supreme Vascular and Interventional Clinic, patients receive personalised specialist assessment with clear explanations of their diagnosis, treatment options and long-term care. The focus is on compassionate, specialist-led neurovascular care, minimally invasive treatment where appropriate, and continuity of care from diagnosis through follow-up.
Seek emergency medical attention immediately if you experience a sudden severe headache, loss of consciousness, seizures, new weakness, difficulty speaking, sudden vision changes or other sudden neurological symptoms, as these may indicate a ruptured brain aneurysm or another neurological emergency.
How Can I Seek Help for Brain Aneurysm Treatment Near Me in Singapore?
In conclusion, a brain aneurysm is a serious medical condition that can be life-threatening if not diagnosed and treated promptly. Understanding the risk factors, symptoms, and treatment options can help individuals take steps to reduce their risk of developing a brain aneurysm and seek medical attention if any symptoms arise.
Remember, taking preventive measures such as maintaining a healthy lifestyle and seeking prompt medical care can help protect your brain health and reduce the risk of complications from a brain aneurysm. Our brain aneurysm clinic in Singapore understands the complexities of this condition and is dedicated to guiding you and your loved ones through every step of your journey, offering support, understanding, and expertise.
Supreme Vascular and Interventional Clinic Treatments
There are more several types of neurointerventional treatments we offer to treat different problems including brain aneurysm. Swipe to learn more.
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.
Other Health Conditions
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.