Brain Aneurysms

Your brain contains a network of blood vessels that carry oxygen and nutrients. An aneurysm happens when one of these blood vessels has a weak, bulging area, similar to a bubble on a worn-out tire.

A burst (ruptured) aneurysm causes bleeding in the brain and requires emergency care. However, many people have brain aneurysms that never rupture. With careful monitoring and the right treatment, you can live a healthy, productive life with a brain aneurysm. At Baystate Health, we partner with you to provide care that brings peace of mind and improves your quality of life.

Exceptional Brain Aneurysm Treatment in Western Massachusetts

When you come to our team for brain aneurysm treatment, you see one of our neuroendovascular surgeons, also called neurointerventional surgeons. These doctors specialize in neuroendovascular surgery, minimally invasive procedures to treat your brain and spine.

We are the only location in western Massachusetts offering neuroendovascular surgery for brain aneurysms. Our center is one of the highest-volume treatment sites across western Massachusetts, southern Vermont, and New Hampshire.

These high volumes translate to greater experience and better patient outcomes. You can trust us to deliver the latest treatments using state-of-the-art technology with personalized, compassionate care.

Brain Aneurysm Causes and Risk Factors

Most aneurysms form because of wear and tear on blood vessels. Some specific factors can lead to more wear, including:

• Illegal drugs use (such as cocaine)
• Smoking
• Uncontrolled high blood pressure (hypertension)

A family history of brain aneurysms can also increase your risk.

Symptoms of Unruptured Brain Aneurysms

Unruptured brain aneurysms don’t usually cause symptoms and are often very small. Many people don’t know they have an aneurysm until they get imaging for another reason.

Rarely, an unruptured aneurysm grows and presses on surrounding nerves. If this happens, you may notice:

• Dilated pupil on one side
• Eyelid drooping
• Pain behind one eye
• Vision changes, such as blurriness or double vision

If you experience any of these symptoms, seek medical care as soon as possible. The larger an aneurysm grows, the more likely it is to burst and cause bleeding.

Warning Signs of a Ruptured Brain Aneurysm

A ruptured aneurysm causes bleeding in your brain. This bleeding leads to sudden, severe symptoms, including:

• A “thunderclap” headache, often described as the worst headache you’ve ever had
• Confusion, weakness, or loss of consciousness
• Drooping eyelids or dilated pupils
• Nausea or vomiting
• Seizures
• Sudden pain behind one eye
• Vision changes, including blurred vision, double vision, or sensitivity to light

If you experience symptoms of a ruptured aneurysm, call 911 right away. Don’t drive yourself to the hospital or ask someone else to drive you. Getting timely treatment is critical, and emergency responders may be able to start lifesaving care in the ambulance.

Diagnosing Brain Aneurysms

If your doctor suspects you could have an unruptured aneurysm, they use testing called digital subtraction angiography (DSA) to get a closer look. A DSA is a minimally invasive test to view the blood vessels in your brain.

During a DSA, your neurointerventional surgeon:

1. Inserts a thin tube (catheter) into one of your arteries
2. Uses X-rays to guide the catheter to the blood vessels in your brain
3. Injects a dye through the catheter
4. Takes multiple X-rays while the dye flows through your blood vessels

A computer then removes tissue and bone from the image, leaving only the blood vessels. This allows your neurointerventional surgeon to see your blood vessels in detail and detect the aneurysm, if there is one.

Brain Aneurysm Treatment

Brain aneurysm treatment depends on whether the aneurysm has ruptured. A ruptured aneurysm requires emergency treatment to stop bleeding in the brain.

Emergency Treatment for Ruptured Brain Aneurysms

If you have a ruptured aneurysm, treatment focuses on stopping the bleeding and preventing the aneurysm from bursting again. At Baystate Health, you’ll have an emergency endovascular procedure in our state-of-the-art neuroendovascular operating room, the only one of its kind in the region.

Endovascular procedures use catheters to treat aneurysms from inside the blood vessel. Your surgeon may use a clip, coil, glue, metal tube (stent), or other device to prevent blood flow to the aneurysm.

Treatment for Unruptured Brain Aneurysms

Your treatment options vary if you have an unruptured aneurysm. You and your neurointerventional surgeon work together to find the right treatment based on the aneurysm’s:

• Location
• Shape
• Size
• Strength of the blood vessel walls

Small aneurysms often don’t need treatment beyond regular monitoring. You get a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT) scan yearly to see if the aneurysm is growing or changing shape. You may also need to manage risk factors, such as lowering your blood pressure or quitting smoking.

Aneurysms that are larger, irregularly shaped, or have very weak walls may need further treatment. If the aneurysm changes or grows, your neurointerventional surgeon may discuss endovascular procedures with you.

Recovery From a Ruptured Brain Aneurysm

It’s common to experience side effects after a ruptured brain aneurysm. You may have short-term or long-term changes, such as:

• Balance or walking problems
• Memory challenges
• Speech changes
• Trouble with concentration

Neurological rehabilitation can help increase your function after a ruptured aneurysm. Our expert team includes physical medicine and rehabilitation doctors, along with physical, occupational, and speech therapists. We’re dedicated to helping you recover and regain your independence.