Brain Aneurysms Specialist

What is a brain aneurysm?

An aneurysm is a bulge in a weakened area of a blood vessel, especially an artery. It’s often the size of a little berry and forms when the force of your blood presses against that vulnerable area. 

You can develop aneurysms anywhere in your body, including your brain. Brain aneurysms are particularly dangerous as any extra fluid, pressure, or other changes in the vascular network of your brain can have catastrophic effects. 

An unruptured brain aneurysm is dangerous, although your condition can become life-threatening if your aneurysm ruptures. 

What are the symptoms of a brain aneurysm?

An unruptured brain aneurysm might not cause any symptoms at all. However, you could also experience:

• Pain above or behind one eye
• Double vision
• A dilated pupil
• Numbness on one side of your face

When a brain aneurysm ruptures, the symptoms can include:

• A sudden and severe headache
• Blurry or double vision
• Sensitivity to light
• Seizure
• Nausea and vomiting
• Drooping eyelid
• Loss of consciousness

If you have any symptoms of an unruptured aneurysm, contact FARINeurosurgery to schedule an appointment. Call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room if you have symptoms of a ruptured brain aneurysm.

What causes brain aneurysms?

Medical researchers haven’t identified a specific cause of brain aneurysms, but they have found several risk factors. For example, if you have a family history of brain aneurysms, you have an increased risk of developing one, too. 

You’re also more likely to develop a brain aneurysm if you have high blood pressure, you’re a smoker, or you consume a lot of alcohol. 

Some people have congenital conditions that increase their risk of a brain aneurysm such as cerebral arteriovenous malformations, polycystic kidney disease, and an abnormally narrow aorta. 

How are brain aneurysms diagnosed?

In many cases, physicians find unruptured aneurysms during tests for an unrelated condition. At FARINeurosurgery, Dr. Farin uses state-of-the-art testing, including CT scans, MRIs, cerebral angiograms, and cerebrospinal fluid tests. 

How do you treat brain aneurysms?

Dr. Farin provides personalized treatments, including brain surgery, to address your specific needs. For example, if you have an unruptured brain aneurysm, she might recommend a flow diverter, surgical clipping, or endovascular coiling to stop blood flow to your aneurysm. 

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If your brain aneurysm ruptures, Dr. Farin performs surgical procedures to drain extra fluid away from your brain. She also prescribes medication to relieve symptoms and prevent complications. For example, calcium channel blockers can stop your arteries from contracting and causing a stroke.

Call FARINeurosurgery or make an appointment online today if you have concerns about a brain aneurysm.