A cerebral aneurysm—often called a brain aneurysm—is a potentially life-threatening condition where a weak spot in a brain artery wall bulges outward.
If it ruptures, it can lead to internal bleeding, stroke, or even death.
At Neurowellness Brain & Spine Clinic, Bangalore, our neurosurgeons use advanced 3D imaging, micro-neurosurgical clipping, and endovascular coiling to diagnose and treat cerebral aneurysms with precision and safety.
“Brain aneurysms can be silent for years. But once they rupture, every minute counts. Early detection saves both life and brain function.”
— Dr. Ganesh Veerabhadraiah, Senior Neurosurgeon, Neurowellness Bangalore
What Is a Cerebral Aneurysm?
A cerebral aneurysm occurs when the wall of a blood vessel in the brain weakens and balloons outward like a bubble.
Over time, the pressure of blood flow can cause that bulge to rupture, resulting in bleeding into or around the brain (subarachnoid hemorrhage).
| Type of Aneurysm | Location / Shape | Risk Level | Treatment Approach |
|---|---|---|---|
| Saccular (berry) | Most common, small sac at artery branch | High rupture risk | Clipping / Coiling |
| Fusiform | Bulges along vessel wall | Moderate | Observation / Stent |
| Mycotic | Caused by infection | Variable | Antibiotics + Surgery |
| Dissecting | Tear within artery wall | High | Emergency surgery |
Early Symptoms
Before rupture, most aneurysms are asymptomatic, but when they enlarge, they may press on nearby brain tissue or nerves.
Warning Signs:
1. Persistent or severe headaches (“the worst headache of my life”)
2. Vision changes — double vision, drooping eyelid, or loss of sight
3. Pain above or behind the eye
4. Facial numbness or weakness
5. Neck pain or stiffness
6. Dilated pupils or difficulty focusing
Symptoms of Ruptured Aneurysm (Medical Emergency)
ㆍSudden, severe headache
ㆍNausea and vomiting
ㆍLoss of consciousness or seizures
ㆍStiff neck and light sensitivity
ㆍSudden confusion or weakness on one side
🩸 If any of these symptoms appear, seek emergency neurosurgical care immediately.
Common Causes & Risk Factors
Several lifestyle and medical factors increase the likelihood of developing a cerebral aneurysm:
ㆍUncontrolled hypertension (high BP)
ㆍSmoking or chronic alcohol consumption
ㆍFamily history of aneurysm or connective tissue disorders
ㆍHead injury or infection
ㆍAtherosclerosis (vessel wall degeneration)
ㆍAge over 40 and female gender
According to the World Stroke Organization (2024), around 1 in 50 adults globally have an unruptured aneurysm—most unaware until diagnosed through scans.
Diagnosis: How Doctors Detect Cerebral Aneurysms
Early and accurate diagnosis can prevent rupture.
At Neurowellness Bangalore, we rely on multi-modality imaging and neurological evaluation.
Diagnostic Steps:
1️⃣ CT Scan / CT Angiography (CTA): Identifies bleeding or aneurysm size.
2️⃣ MRI / MRA Brain: Detects small, unruptured aneurysms.
3️⃣ Digital Subtraction Angiography (DSA): Gold-standard test showing exact shape and location.
4️⃣ Neurological Assessment: Checks reflexes, vision, speech, and balance.
Treatment Options for Cerebral Aneurysm
The choice of treatment depends on size, location, rupture status, and patient’s age.
1. Medication & Monitoring
Small, stable aneurysms may only require:
ㆍBlood pressure control
ㆍSmoking cessation
ㆍRegular imaging follow-up (every 6–12 months)
2. Endovascular Coiling
A minimally invasive approach where coils are inserted through an artery in the groin or wrist and placed inside the aneurysm to seal it.
Benefits:
✅ No open surgery
✅ Shorter hospital stay (1–2 days)
✅ Suitable for multiple or deep-seated aneurysms
3. Microsurgical Clipping
A micro-neurosurgical procedure where a small clip is placed at the aneurysm’s neck to stop blood flow into it—permanent and highly effective.
Advantages:
✅ Low recurrence rate
✅ Suitable for accessible aneurysms
✅ Prevents future ruptures
“Clipping remains the gold standard for many aneurysms. It gives long-term security when performed with modern microscopes and neuronavigation.”
— Dr. Ganesh Veerabhadraiah
4.Rehabilitation After Treatment
Post-surgery recovery includes:
ㆍNeurological monitoring for 24–48 hours
ㆍBlood pressure management
ㆍPhysiotherapy and speech therapy (if deficits present)
ㆍFollow-up scans every 6 months
Recovery & Lifestyle Management
Recovery time varies with the severity and treatment type.
Most patients resume light work in 3–4 weeks after endovascular procedures and 6–8 weeks after surgical clipping.
Lifestyle Tips:
✅ Maintain BP < 130/80 mm Hg
✅ Eat low-salt, high-fiber diet
✅ Avoid smoking and heavy alcohol
✅ Manage stress with breathing or yoga
✅ Continue prescribed medications regularly
Prevention & Long-Term Care
Although not all aneurysms can be prevented, risk can be reduced through healthy choices:
ㆍControl blood pressure and cholesterol
ㆍQuit smoking — lowers rupture risk by 40 %
ㆍRegular check-ups if you have family history
ㆍExercise at least 30 min a day
ㆍAvoid heavy straining and stress
Early screening in high-risk individuals can detect aneurysms before they rupture, saving lives and reducing complications.
Conculsion
Expert Cerebral Aneurysm Treatment in Bangalore
At Neurowellness Brain & Spine Clinic, our neurosurgeon specialize in microsurgical clipping and endovascular coiling using advanced neuronavigation systems.
FAQs
1. What is the difference between clipping and coiling?
Clipping is an open surgery placing a metal clip at the aneurysm’s neck, while coiling is minimally invasive—coils are inserted through a catheter to block blood flow.
2. How long does aneurysm surgery take?
Usually 3–6 hours, depending on the aneurysm’s complexity and approach.
3. Can an unruptured aneurysm heal on its own?
Small ones can remain stable for years with blood pressure control and regular imaging, but they don’t “heal” without intervention.
4. What are the long-term risks after treatment?
Low risk of recurrence, managed with annual MRI/CTA scans and lifestyle control