Understanding Cerebral Aneurysms

What are the symptoms of an aneurysm?

While an aneurysm itself does not often cause any symptoms, the major concern is if it bleeds. Bleeding on the surface of the brain can be very damaging and is a type of hemorrhagic stroke. Bleeding can also cause the blood vessels to clamp down, creating a blockage-type stroke. Both are very serious conditions and the main cause for concern when an aneurysm presents.

What causes an aneurysm?

An aneurysm likely occurs as a result of damage to the artery, which is more common as people age. Certain factors can worsen an aneurysm, such as having high blood pressure, smoking cigarettes and using drugs that increase blood pressure. Some aneurysms can be genetic; however, the specific reason an aneurysm forms is usually unknown.

How long can you live with an aneurysm?

3-4% of the population has a small aneurysm, and for most, it will never cause an issue. The concern is if the aneurysm has a high risk of bleeding. Risk increases if the aneurysm is a large size, an irregular shape or in a specific location in the brain. It must then be determined if the risk of bleeding is higher than the risk of treatment itself.

How is a cerebral aneurysm treated?

A cerebral aneurysm is treated through one of two procedures: open surgery or minimally invasive surgery. Open surgery involves cutting into the skull, locating the aneurysm and placing a metal clip at the base of the bulge to reduce blood flow so it cannot burst or spill blood into the brain. The minimally invasive approach uses microcatheters to block off the inside of the artery with a small metal coil, stent or other device. While this approach results in a much quicker recovery, which procedure is used depends on the individual aneurysm.

Brendan Eby, MD, is an assistant professor with the departments of neurology, neurosurgery and radiology at Washington University School of Medicine and the stroke medical co-director at Barnes-Jewish St. Peters Hospital. For more information, you can call 636.928.WELL.