Diagnosis Information
What is a brain aneurysm?
An aneurysm begins at the base of the brain as a small thinned out area on the wall of an artery. Over time, the blood flow within the artery pounds against the thinned portion of the wall causing it to weaken. As the artery wall becomes gradually thinner from the dilation, the blood flow causes the weakened wall to swell outward. This pressure may cause the aneurysm to rupture and allow blood to escape into the space around the brain. A ruptured aneurysm commonly requires advanced surgical treatment.
Why do aneurysms form?
There is currently no proven cause for aneurysms. Although it has been theorized that since most arteries in the body have walls with three layers and the brain’s arteries have segments where one layer is missing, the artery wall of the brain is more likely to weaken. It is also believed by some doctors that people may be predisposed at birth, while others feel that high blood pressure and conditions that induce stress on the arteries are significant contributors.
How are aneurysms diagnosed after they rupture?
When an aneurysm ruptures, the bleeding can be minimal, moderate or severe. A person’s physical response to the hemorrhage will most often be related to the amount of blood that escapes from the aneurysm and around the brain. The initial evaluation of the aneurysm will typically occur in the emergency room following symptoms of a severe headache.
Our emergency care doctors are adept at accessing computerized tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), as well as the latest advanced monitoring tools, including biplane brain angiography.
The Center has ranked consistently faster than the national average in obtaining CT images of the brain—averaging only five minutes from a patient’s arrival in the emergency department.
Diagnosis support for patients & caregivers
Following diagnosis, we discuss the condition in detail with the patient and caregivers. The discussion includes surgical terms and technical treatment options. It is normal to feel overwhelmed when faced with unfamiliar medical language. We want you to be as educated as possible and encourage you to ask any questions you have.
The National Brain Aneurysm Center offers family care conferences and support groups to encourage ongoing discussion and emotional support. They can also ease concerns and help patients and caregivers adapt to the course of treatment and ultimate recovery.
Family care conference
A family care conference gives those involved the opportunity to have all questions answered. A patient’s condition could begin to change and important decisions will have to be made quickly and collectively. In this instance, the Center’s multidisciplinary team will facilitate the meeting; and everyone, including the patient and caregiver, will work together to determine next steps.
Support group
Support groups are held for patients’ family members and are led by an advanced practice nurse and/or social worker. The groups give family members much-needed time to ask questions and decompress. We encourage you to write down questions and concerns to bring to the weekly meetings.
