Brain Aneurysm

Brain Aneurysm Treatment in India

A sudden, severe headache can be a sign of a ruptured brain aneurysm. This is a medical emergency. This short explains the main treatment options available.

Understanding brain aneurysms

• A weak spot. An aneurysm is a bulge in the wall of a blood vessel in the brain. If it bursts, or ruptures, it causes bleeding into the brain.
• The main symptom. A ruptured aneurysm typically causes a sudden, severe headache, often described as the 'worst headache of your life'. This requires immediate medical attention.
• Unruptured aneurysms. Many aneurysms do not rupture and cause no symptoms. They are sometimes found during tests for other conditions. Treatment may still be advised to prevent a future rupture.

How are brain aneurysms treated

The goal is to stop blood flowing into the aneurysm. This can be done in several ways, depending on the aneurysm's size and location.

• Surgical clipping. This is an open surgery where a neurosurgeon places a tiny metal clip at the base of the aneurysm to seal it off.
• Endovascular coiling. In this less invasive procedure, a catheter is guided through blood vessels to the brain. Tiny platinum coils are then placed inside the aneurysm to block blood flow and cause a clot.
• Flow diverters. A flow diverter is a small, flexible mesh tube placed in the artery. It redirects blood flow away from the aneurysm, causing it to shrink over time.

What to expect after treatment

• Hospital stay. Your stay will depend on the procedure and whether the aneurysm had ruptured. Recovery from a rupture is a longer process.
• Recovery. After a rupture, you may need rehabilitation therapy to help with speech, movement or cognitive skills.
• Follow-up. You will usually have follow-up imaging scans to ensure the aneurysm is secure and has not regrown.

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