Brain Aneurysm

Brain Aneurysm Treatment in India - Advanced Procedures & Expert Care

A brain aneurysm is a weak spot in a brain artery that bulges outwards. This short explains the symptoms to be aware of and the main ways an aneurysm can be treated.

Symptoms and risks

Many brain aneurysms do not cause any symptoms. They are often found by chance during scans for other conditions.

• Ruptured aneurysm. The main symptom of a rupture is a sudden, extremely severe headache. Other signs can include a stiff neck, sickness, and blurred or double vision.
• Unruptured aneurysm. If a larger aneurysm presses on nerves or brain tissue, it may cause pain above and behind an eye, vision changes, or numbness on one side of the face.
• Risk factors. Your risk may be higher if you have high blood pressure, are a smoker, or have a close family member who has had a brain aneurysm.

Diagnosis and treatment options

A specialist uses imaging scans to confirm the diagnosis and recommend a course of action.

• Imaging tests. Diagnosis is usually made using a CT scan, an MRI scan, or a cerebral angiogram, which provides a detailed view of the blood vessels.
• Surgical clipping. This is an open surgery where a neurosurgeon places a tiny metal clip across the neck of the aneurysm to stop blood flowing into it.
• Endovascular coiling. In this less invasive procedure, a catheter is passed through an artery to the aneurysm. Tiny platinum coils are then released inside it to seal it off from the artery.
• Flow diverters. For some aneurysms, a small tube-like stent can be placed in the blood vessel to divert blood flow away from the aneurysm, causing it to shrink over time.

Deciding on the right approach

• Case by case. The best treatment depends on the aneurysm's size, location and shape. Your age, general health and medical history are also important factors.
• Weighing the risks. A ruptured aneurysm is a medical emergency requiring urgent treatment. For an unruptured aneurysm, the specialist weighs the risks of treatment against the risk of a rupture.
• Active observation. If you have a small, unruptured aneurysm with a low risk of bleeding, your specialist may recommend monitoring it with regular scans instead of immediate surgery.

The suitability of any treatment depends on your individual circumstances. A final decision can only be made after a specialist has reviewed your medical reports and recent imaging.