About brain aneurysms

A brain aneurysm occurs when an artery in the brain begins to bulge, weakening the wall of the artery. It is a potentially life-threatening condition that must be evaluated and treated as soon as possible. Should the aneurysm cause the artery to break, significant damage can occur to brain cells the artery serves.

Brain aneurysm symptoms can include:

  • Sudden, worst headache of your life
  • Blurred vision
  • Droopy eyelid
  • Confusion
  • Losing consciousness
  • Light sensitivity

Brain aneurysm treatment

The neuroscience experts on staff at Baylor Scott & White Health offer several procedures—including minimally invasive treatments—to help prevent a brain aneurysm from rupturing or repair it if it has already started to bleed.

The sooner the aneurysm is treated, the greater the likelihood that damage can be prevented or limited.

The type and location of the brain aneurysm, as well as the patient’s age, medical status and preferences will help determine the best approach to treatment.

Brain aneurysm treatment typically includes one of these methods:

  • Embolization—A minimally invasive procedure to prevent an aneurysm from rupturing
  • Craniotomy—A surgical procedure to insert a clip to stop the aneurysm from bleeding
  • Endovascular coiling—A minimally invasive procedure that uses a catheter to insert a coil to keep blood out of the aneurysm
  • Microvascular clipping—A surgery to cut off blood flow to an aneurysm
  • Clinical trials (when appropriate)

Risk factors for brain aneurysm

Although anyone can have a brain aneurysm, certain factors increase the risk:

  • High blood pressure
  • Genetic/Heredity factors
  • Smoking
  • Alcohol and cocaine abuse
  • Head trauma