Brain & Neurosurgery
Cerebral Aneurysms
Prevent rupture. Modern aneurysm care.
A cerebral aneurysm is a weakened, bulging spot in the wall of a brain artery. Most never rupture — but when they do, the consequences are severe. Modern neurosurgical and endovascular techniques can secure aneurysms with low complication rates, dramatically reducing rupture risk. Our team evaluates aneurysms in the context of size, location, shape, family history, and overall health to recommend the right treatment — or, in many cases, watchful waiting.
Understanding the Condition
What is Aneurysms?
Aneurysms develop where the artery wall is structurally weakened. They most often form at branch points of the arteries at the base of the brain (the circle of Willis). Most are saccular ('berry') aneurysms, with a defined neck and dome. Risk of rupture depends on size, location, shape, growth, family history, smoking status, and blood pressure.
Unruptured aneurysms are often found incidentally on imaging done for other reasons (headaches, head trauma, screening). Ruptured aneurysms cause subarachnoid hemorrhage — a severe medical emergency.
Common Causes
- Genetic factors (family history, polycystic kidney disease, connective tissue disorders)
- Smoking (significant independent risk factor)
- Hypertension
- Atherosclerosis
- Head trauma (rare cause)
- Infections (mycotic aneurysms — rare)
Common Symptoms
- Most unruptured aneurysms: NO symptoms (incidental finding)
- Large aneurysms may cause: localized headaches, vision changes, eye pain, facial numbness
- Ruptured aneurysm: 'thunderclap' worst headache of life, neck stiffness, vomiting, loss of consciousness — call 911
- Sentinel headache: unusually severe headache days/weeks before rupture (warning sign)
When to Seek Care
When Should You See a Specialist?
Any unruptured aneurysm found on imaging warrants neurosurgical consultation. Sudden severe 'worst headache of life' — go to ER immediately. Family history of aneurysm in a first-degree relative is a reason to discuss screening with a neurosurgeon.
Treatment Options
How We Treat Aneurysms
We always begin with the least invasive treatment that's likely to work for you. Surgery is reserved for cases where conservative care has been given a fair trial — or when the situation truly requires it.
Conservative (Non-Surgical) Care
- Observation with serial imaging (for small low-risk aneurysms)
- Blood pressure control
- Smoking cessation (single biggest modifiable risk factor)
- Avoiding sympathomimetics (cocaine, certain decongestants)
- Family screening when indicated
Surgical Options
- Microsurgical clipping — placing a titanium clip across the neck of the aneurysm via a craniotomy
- Endovascular coil embolization — packing the aneurysm with platinum coils via a catheter through the femoral artery
- Flow diverter stents — for select complex aneurysms
- Hybrid approaches for complex aneurysms
Recovery & Outlook
What to Expect After Treatment
Modern aneurysm treatment has low complication rates and excellent durability. Endovascular treatment typically allows discharge in 2–3 days; clipping in 4–7 days. Most patients return to full activity within 4–6 weeks for endovascular and 6–8 weeks for clipping.
Meet Your Team
Specialists Who Treat Aneurysms
Related Treatments
Services That Address Aneurysms
Aneurysms — Frequently Asked Questions
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Get Expert Help for Aneurysms
Our specialists can diagnose your condition and design a personalized treatment plan that gets you back to the life you love.