A brain aneurysm, also called an intracranial aneurysm or cerebral aneurysm, occurs when a weak spot in an artery wall fills with blood and balloons out. An aneurysm has the potential to let blood accumulate around the brain or rupture, which can result in severe brain damage or death.
Find a Dignity Health - St. Rose Dominican hospitals neurologist today using our online tool or by calling (702) 616-4900.
Most brain aneurysms occur in people over the age of 40. They are associated with:
Some people are born with a brain aneurysm due to an abnormally weak or thin artery wall.
A small aneurysm may not create any symptoms. Larger aneurysms can press on nerves and other tissues in the brain causing:
Symptoms of a ruptured aneurysm depend on the severity of the rupture. Even a small amount of bleeding around the brain, called a subarachnoid hemorrhage, may cause:
If the aneurysm bleeds directly into brain tissue, rather than around just around it, it is called a hemorrhagic stroke. If you experience symptoms of stroke, call 911 immediately.
Dignity Health - St. Rose Dominican, Siena Campus, uses the latest minimally invasive neuro imaging technology — the neuro bi-plane suite — to diagnose patients with aneurysms and other types of blood vessel problems in the brain.
This powerful imaging equipment allows doctors to view patients from all angles. Using the biplane imaging system, your doctor can see both side to side and back to front. This means that if your doctor needs to insert a catheter or shunt, he or she can ensure it is placed in the precise position. Use of the neuro bi-plane suite often results in less radiation, reduced likelihood of complications, and fewer injections of contrast dye.
Treatment options for ruptured or large cerebral aneurysms include:
If you have a intact (unruptured) or small aneurysm, your doctor may recommend monitoring the condition. Controlling blood pressure and quitting smoking may be the only treatment necessary.
Dignity Health - St. Rose Dominican offers comprehensive treatment for brain aneurysm in Las Vegas and Henderson, NV.