Brain aneurysm

A brain aneurysm is a weak spot in the wall of a brain artery that bulges like a small balloon. Most are found by chance, never burst and cause no symptoms, but a burst (ruptured) aneurysm is an emergency. Not everyone needs treatment: small, stable aneurysms are often just watched with repeat scans, and treatment is considered by size, location, shape, growth, your age and health, and whether you have had bleeding before. When treatment is advised, several options avoid opening the skull: coiling, where soft platinum coils fill the aneurysm so blood cannot enter; stent-assisted coiling, where a small mesh tube keeps the coils in place; a flow diverter, a fine mesh tube in the main artery that redirects blood away so the aneurysm usually shrinks over months; and a device inside the aneurysm, a small mesh basket that seals it. Surgery (clipping) is another option, and a team decides which is safest for you. After a stent or flow diverter you take blood-thinning tablets (antiplatelets) for a time and have follow-up scans, and stopping smoking and controlling blood pressure lower your risk. Stroke, bleeding and problems with the device are possible, and your doctor will explain the risks for your aneurysm. A sudden, severe headache unlike any before, sometimes with vomiting, a stiff neck, sensitivity to light or fainting, may mean an aneurysm has burst. Call emergency services.