Treating Brain Aneurysms

The recommended brain aneurysm treatment  depends upon the size and shape of the aneurysm, whether or not the aneurysm has ruptured and the overall medical condition on the patient.

Medical Therapy

This is usually only an option for the treatment of unruptured intracranial aneurysms.  Strategies include smoking cessation and blood pressure control. These are the only factors that have been shown to have a significant effect on aneurysm formation, growth and/or rupture.

Periodic radiographic imaging (CT Scan, angiography, MRA) may also be recommended at intervals to monitor the size and/or growth of the aneurysm.

Surgical Clipping

A craniotomy (opening of the skull) is performed to expose the neck (base) of the aneurysm. A surgical clip, usually made out of titanium, is placed across the base of the aneurysm to prevent any more blood flow into the aneurysm so it won't rupture.

Endovascular Coiling

A catheter is fed into the femoral artery in the groin and passed up into the brain arteries. Once the catheter reaches the aneurysm, coils are inserted and released to block off the aneurysm. This helps a thrombus (clot) to form and prevent any more blood flow into the aneurysm so it won't rupture. 

Vasospasm Treatment for Brain Aneurysms