Experiences with
AneurysmHow brain aneurysms are treated
If a brain aneurysm is detected before it ruptures, treatment may be recommended to prevent it rupturing in future.
Most aneurysms do not rupture, so treatment is only carried out if the risk of a rupture is particularly high.
Factors that affect whether treatment is recommended include your age, the size and position of the aneurysm, your family medical history, and any other health conditions you have.
If treatment is recommended, this usually involves either filling the aneurysm with tiny metal coils (coiling) or an open operation to seal it shut with a tiny metal clip (surgical clipping).
The same techniques used to prevent ruptures are also used to treat brain aneurysms that have already ruptured.
If your risk of a rupture is low, you'll have regular check-ups to monitor your aneurysm.
You may also be given medicine to reduce your blood pressure and advice about ways you can reduce your chances of a rupture, such as stopping smoking if you smoke.
Why brain aneurysms develop
Exactly what causes the wall of affected blood vessels to weaken is still unclear, although risk factors have been identified.
These include:
- smoking
- high blood pressure
- a family history of brain aneurysms
In some cases, an aneurysm may develop because there was a weakness in the walls of the blood vessels at birth.
Symptoms of a brain aneurysm can include headaches or changes in your vision. If it bursts, it can cause a sudden and very severe headache.
Brain aneurysms are usually treated with surgery if they have burst or there's a risk they will burst.
It's not clear what causes brain aneurysms. You're more likely to get them if you smoke, have high blood pressure or have family members with them.
Symptoms of an unruptured brain aneurysm
A brain aneurysm rarely causes any symptoms unless it bursts (ruptures).
Unruptured brain aneurysms occasionally cause symptoms if they're particularly large or press against tissues or nerves inside the brain.
Symptoms of an unruptured brain aneurysm can include:
- visual disturbances, such as loss of vision or double vision
- pain above or around your eye
- numbness or weakness on 1 side of your face
- difficulty speaking
- headaches
- loss of balance
- difficulty concentrating or problems with short-term memory
You should see a GP as soon as possible if you experience symptoms of an unruptured brain aneurysm.
Although most aneurysms will not rupture, it's important to get it checked in case treatment is necessary.
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