Nuffield Vascular and Interventional Radiology provides compassionate and comprehensive care for brain aneurysms. With precise techniques, diagnostics, and tailored treatment plans, our team is dedicated to supporting you every step of the way.
A brain aneurysm occurs when a blood vessel supplying the brain bulges or balloons. They are found in 1–2% of the population, most commonly affecting individuals aged 40 to 60 years.
Brain aneurysms may cause non-specific neurological symptoms such as headaches, double vision, and other issues. However, the most serious complication is a rupture, which can lead to a sudden, severe headache and immediate death in up to 20% of cases. For others, it can result in a serious haemorrhagic stroke, potentially causing long-term disability.
A ruptured brain aneurysm occurs when an unruptured aneurysm bursts, leading to bleeding in the brain.
These procedures include repairing damaged blood vessels, preventing and treating strokes, and removing abnormal growths. As minimally invasive techniques, they require smaller incisions, result in less pain, and offer shorter recovery times compared to traditional surgery. Overall, neurointerventional treatments provide a safe and effective solution for many neurological conditions.
The exact causes of brain aneurysms are not yet fully understood. However, several known risk factors can increase the likelihood of developing a cerebral aneurysm, including:
It’s important to note that a brain aneurysm may become life-threatening if patients report experiencing the worst headache of their lives.
While the exact causes of brain aneurysms are not always fully understood, several factors can contribute to the weakening of blood vessel walls, leading to ballooning. These factors include:
Symptoms of a brain aneurysm typically appear when the blood vessel ruptures or grows large enough to press against nearby structures in the brain. The specific symptoms can vary depending on the size, location, and whether the aneurysm has ruptured.
Symptoms of a ruptured brain aneurysm may include:
Important: If someone exhibits symptoms of a ruptured brain aneurysm, seek immediate medical attention. Prompt diagnosis and treatment can significantly improve survival chances and help prevent severe complications, such as a debilitating stroke.
A brain aneurysm can be diagnosed, and treatment planning initiated, with either a simple CT scan involving a dye injection into the arm or an MRI scan that does not require dye injection.
At Nuffield Vascular and Interventional Radiology, we offer specialised care and treatments for brain aneurysms.
A brain aneurysm occurs when a weak or thin spot on an artery in the brain bulges and fills with blood. This bulging aneurysm can exert pressure on nearby nerves or brain tissue and, in severe cases, may rupture, causing a haemorrhage. Brain aneurysms are fully treatable, and early intervention—before rupture—is ideal.
The traditional method of open surgery, known as clipping, has been largely replaced by a minimally invasive endovascular technique called coiling. This procedure involves making a small 5 mm incision in the groin or wrist to access a blood vessel. Using this entry point, multiple small tubes (catheters) and wires are guided to the brain to block the aneurysm from within. This approach avoids the need for open skull surgery, offering faster treatment and quicker recovery times.
Most patients can walk home within 1–2 days following treatment for an elective, unruptured brain aneurysm.
Advances in technology now allow us to treat nearly all types of brain aneurysms using minimally invasive interventional techniques, eliminating the need for open surgery. These include:
The appropriate treatment depends on the size, location, and whether the aneurysm has ruptured. Learn more about these technologies, including brain coiling, stent placement, and alternative procedures such as surgical clipping, along with their risks and benefits.
As with all medical procedures, there are risks associated with these treatments, as brain aneurysms are serious conditions. The level of risk varies depending on the size, type, and location of the aneurysm, but it is generally very low, at approximately 1–2%. It is essential to consult with a brain aneurysm specialist to discuss the most suitable treatment based on your individual circumstances.
I’m here to help you regain control of your health. Together, we’ll manage your symptoms and prevent future complications using personalised care and innovative technology. – Dr Suresh Babu