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Brain Aneurysm
A brain aneurysm ("Berry Aneurysm") is a dilated, thin walled bubble on an artery. It usually develops because of a weakness of the artery wall.
Symptoms
An aneurysm is usually silent and does not produce symptoms unless it bursts or ruptures. If so, it causes a subarachnoid hemorrhage or bleed which is frequently life threatening. If the patient survives the bleed, treatment is required to shut the aneurysm down. A large aneurysm may cause symptoms by pushing on a nerve or the brain. In this case, it may be discovered before it bursts when it is both easier and safer to treat it.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of an aneurysm is done with MRI, MRA, or angiogram.
Treatment
There are three treatment options for a brain aneurysm. First is a surgical clipping. Second is coiling through a catheter. Finally, "no treatment" occasionally may be the best thing to do.
Photos
Click on a photo for an enlarged image. Pictures will open in a new window.
©2003 Heffez Neurosurgical Associates, S.C.