Brain Aneurysms
A brain aneurysm is an outpouching of an artery where there is weakness in the wall, exposing the artery to potential rupture and bleeding in the brain. An aneurysm typically occurs where an artery splits into two separate arteries. When a brain aneurysm ruptures, blood pools around the brain increasing intracranial pressure and reducing blood and oxygen flow to the brain.
Brain aneurysms are common, with 1 in 50 people in the United States living with an unruptured aneurysm. Patients can live for years with an unruptured aneurysm without experiencing any symptoms. As an unruptured aneurysm grows, it may press on surrounding structures in the brain causing symptoms.
If a patient has a brain aneurysm identified, the patient should be referred to a specialist to determine if treatment options are necessary to prevent a rupture from occurring.
What are the warning signs of a brain aneurysm rupture?
Symptoms of a brain aneurysm rupture include:
- A sudden, intense headache
- Nausea and vomiting
- Stiffness in the neck
- Blurred vision
- Light sensitivity
- Sudden weakness or numbness
- Confusion
- Loss of consciousness
- Seizures
If you or someone near you experience these symptoms, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room immediately. A brain aneurysm rupture is life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention in a hospital. Blood leaking into the brain causes increased pressure in the brain and can damage the surrounding brain tissue. Fast diagnosis and treatment is crucial to an optimal outcome.
UCHealth Stroke & Brain Aneurysm Center
UCHealth University of Colorado Hospital has the largest neurovascular service in the state.
Brain Aneurysm Treatment
When a patient presents at the hospital with a brain aneurysm rupture, the patient is stabilized and monitored in the neuro ICU.
There are two basic classes of surgical procedures offered to patients with brain aneurysms. The first is a craniotomy, which involves removing a small piece of bone from the skull to allow the neurosurgical team to place a small clip on the aneurysm to block it off from the blood circulation to prevent another rupture.
Our neurosurgeons use minimally invasive endovascular techniques involving the use of small catheters that go in through blood vessels to block off the aneurysm. A coil is then used to block off the blood flow to the anueyrsm. A neurosurgeon may also use a stent to redirect blood flow away from the aneurysm.
After surgery, patients are typically transferred to the neuro ICU for additional monitoring.