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By Mayo Clinic staffBrain aneurysms are most often detected after they have ruptured, and are, therefore, medical emergencies. However, a brain aneurysm may be detected by chance when you've undergone head-imaging tests for another condition.
If such test results indicate you have a brain aneurysm, you'll need to discuss the results with a specialist in brain and nervous system disorders (neurologist or neurosurgeon).
To make the best use of your time, you may want to prepare a list of questions:
- What do you know about the size and location of the aneurysm?
- Do the imaging test results provide evidence of how likely it is to rupture?
- What treatment do you recommend at this time?
- If we wait, how often will I need to have follow-up tests?
- What steps can I take to lower the risk of a ruptured aneurysm?
Your neurologist or neurosurgeon may ask you the following questions to help determine the best course of action:
- Do you smoke?
- How much do you drink?
- Do you use recreational drugs?
- Are you being treated for high blood pressure, high cholesterol or other conditions that increase the risk of cardiovascular disease?
- Do you take your medications as prescribed by your doctor?
- Is there a history of brain aneurysms in your family?
- Cerebral aneurysm fact sheet. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/cerebral_aneurysm/detail_cerebral_aneurysm.htm. Accessed April 12, 2009.
- Cerebral aneurysm. American Association of Neurological Surgeons. http://www.neurosurgerytoday.org/what/patient_e/cerebral.asp. Accessed April 12, 2009.
- Singer RJ, et al. Etiology, clinical manifestations, and diagnosis of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed April 12, 2009.
- Bendok BR, et al. Cerebral aneurysms and vascular malformations. In: Noseworthy JH, ed. Neurological Therapeutics: Principles and Practice. New York, N.Y.: Martin Dunitz; 2003.
- Singer RJ, et al. Unruptured intracranial aneurysms. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed April 9, 2009.
- Singer RJ, et al. Screening for intracranial aneurysm. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed April 9, 2009.
- Soni D. Treatment options for cerebral aneurysm. American Association of Neurological Surgery. http://www.neurosurgerytoday.org/what/patient_e/treatment.asp. Accessed April 12, 2009.
- Rabinstein AA (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. May 11, 2009.
