A brain aneurysm is a weakened, bulging area in a brain artery that fills with blood and may pose a risk of rupture. Early evaluation by experienced Minnesota neurosurgeons supports safe decision-making and reduces complications. This is one of many neurovascular conditions we treat at MSBI.
What Is a Brain Aneurysm?
A brain aneurysm is a structural defect in a cerebral blood vessel where the arterial wall thins and balloons outward, creating a blood-filled sac. This change disrupts normal blood flow and increases the chance of bleeding.
Types of Brain Aneurysms
These structural variations influence treatment decisions:
- Saccular aneurysm: Berry-shaped pouch forming on one side of a vessel
- Fusiform aneurysm: Uniform widening along a vessel segment
- Mycotic aneurysm: Infection-related arterial wall weakening
Aneurysms can appear in any region of the brain and may be present at birth or acquired later due to vessel changes. Some patients may also have coexisting cerebrovascular conditions like arteriovenous malformations (AVMs), which can influence treatment planning.
What Causes a Brain Aneurysm?
Brain aneurysms form when blood vessel walls weaken from congenital factors, lifestyle risks, or chronic vascular strain. Smoking, uncontrolled high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and certain drug exposures are strongly associated with aneurysm formation and growth.
Symptoms of a Brain Aneurysm
Most unruptured aneurysms cause no symptoms. When symptoms occur, they follow this pattern:
Vessel Weakening → Pressure on Brain Tissue → Neurological Change
Common examples include:
- Localized or severe headaches
- Eye pain or vision changes
- Difficulty speaking or concentrating
- Facial numbness or weakness
- Sudden “worst headache of life” may indicate a brain bleed, requiring urgent evaluation and treatment
How Brain Aneurysms Are Diagnosed
Diagnosis relies on high-resolution imaging and a neurological exam to determine aneurysm size, shape, and rupture risk.
Imaging Tests
- MRI/MRA: Shows aneurysm structure and surrounding brain tissue
- CT or CTA: Detects bleeding, vessel anatomy, and urgent complications
- Cerebral Angiogram: Gold-standard test for mapping artery and aneurysm details
Many aneurysms are discovered incidentally on scans performed for unrelated concerns.
When Is Treatment Needed?
Not all brain aneurysms require immediate intervention. Small, stable aneurysms without symptoms may be monitored safely with periodic imaging.
Monitoring includes:
- Controlling blood pressure and cholesterol
- Managing diabetes
- Avoiding smoking and illicit drugs
- Tracking size or shape changes through follow-up scans
- In some cases, patients with vascular risk factors may also require carotid artery procedures to reduce overall cerebrovascular stroke risk.
Brain Aneurysm Treatment Options
Treatment plans depend on aneurysm size, shape, location, rupture risk, and the patient’s overall health.
Surgical Treatment Options
Microvascular Clipping (Open Surgery)
Clipping seals the aneurysm at its neck to prevent blood flow into the sac:
- Requires a craniotomy
- Surgeon isolates the aneurysm and applies a titanium aneurysm clipping clip
- Offers long-term durability and low recurrence risk
Endovascular Coiling (Minimally Invasive)
Coiling treats the aneurysm from inside the vessel:
- Surgeon inserts a catheter through the groin or wrist
- Platinum coils are placed into the aneurysm sac
- Promotes clotting that seals the aneurysm from within
- Can be repeated if the aneurysm changes over time
Medical Management
Medications may help control symptoms or prevent complications:
- Anti-seizure medications for seizure prevention
- Calcium channel blockers to reduce vasospasm risk after rupture
- Shunt placement to drain excess cerebrospinal fluid if hydrocephalus occurs
Recovery After Ruptured Aneurysm
Patients recovering from a ruptured aneurysm may benefit from:
- Speech therapy
- Physical therapy
- Occupational therapy
Rehabilitation helps restore function or support safe long-term adaptation if permanent deficits remain.
Minnesota & Wisconsin Brain Aneurysm Specialists
Midwest Spine & Brain Institute provides advanced aneurysm care throughout Minnesota, the Twin Cities metro, and western Wisconsin. Our team includes board-certified neurovascular neurosurgeons skilled in clipping, coiling, and complex cerebrovascular management. Key specialists include Dr. Eric S. Nussbaum and Dr. Meysam Kebriaei, who collaborate to provide personalized treatment plans guided by the latest medical evidence.
Patients can receive comprehensive care at our convenient Apple Valley location serving the Twin Cities metro area. Additional neurovascular services are available at the Burnsville location, ensuring access for patients across southern metro areas.
FAQs About Brain Aneurysms
Are all brain aneurysms dangerous?
No. Many aneurysms remain small and stable, but all require evaluation to determine rupture risk.
How likely is a small aneurysm to rupture?
Small aneurysms under 7 mm often have a low rupture risk, but risk varies by location, shape, and patient health factors.
What is the fastest test to detect a ruptured aneurysm?
A CT scan is the quickest initial test for detecting bleeding from a ruptured aneurysm.
Can lifestyle changes prevent aneurysm growth?
Yes. Avoiding smoking, controlling blood pressure, and managing vascular health significantly reduce growth risk.
Is coiling safer than clipping?
Both are effective. Coiling is less invasive, while clipping offers long-term durability. The best option depends on aneurysm anatomy.
Can you live normally after aneurysm treatment?
Many patients return to normal activities after recovery, with guidance from their neurosurgeon and rehabilitation team.