Definition

A brain aneurysm is a weakness in a blood vessel wall that leads to a bulge or ballooning. It may remain stable or rupture, causing bleeding into or around the brain.

Prevalence

Affects 2–3% of the population. Many aneurysms remain unruptured and undetected.

Symptoms

Unruptured:

• Headache

• Vision changes

• Eye pain

• Facial numbness (rare)
  

Ruptured

• Sudden, severe “thunderclap” headache

• Nausea/vomiting

• Neck stiffness

• Loss of consciousness

• Neurological deficits

Diagnosis

• CT scan for suspected rupture

• CT angiography or MR angiography for vascular imaging

• Cerebral angiography for detailed assessment

Treatment Options

• Observation with periodic imaging for small, stable aneurysms

• Endovascular coiling to close the aneurysm from inside the vessel

• Microsurgical clipping for durable exclusion of the aneurysm

• Intensive management of blood pressure and risk factors