There are two common options for brain aneurysm treatments. Both involve some amount of risk.
Coil Embolization
For this procedure, a catheter is placed in the groin and runs up to the brain aneurysm. After that, tiny, soft platinum coils are placed in the aneurysm. A blood clot will form around the coil in order to prevent blood from getting into the aneurysm which will prevent the risk of the aneurysm bursting.
When an aneurysm is wide, a sent (small mesh tube) may be used to cover the neck of the aneurysm to help keep the coils in place. Other ties, a temporary balloon might be inflated at the neck of the aneurysm to hold the coils.
Coiling may be used as a preventative measure for those with un-ruptured aneurysms or it may also be performed after an aneurysm has ruptured.
Flowing Diverting Stent
Another brain aneurysm treatment option is the surgical placement of flow diverting stents. As per the name, flow diversion is an endovascular technique that places a stent in the parent blood vessel which will then divert blood flow from the aneurysm.
Risks
Both procedures pose risks such as bleeding in the brain or a loss of blood flow to the brain. The former procedure is less invasive and may be initially safer but there is also a higher risk of re-bleeding causing the need for additional procedures. Flow diverters are a newer option and may be best for a larger aneurysm that is not safe to treat with other options.
A neurosurgeon, in collaboration with your neurologist, can make a recommendation for each individual’s needs. He will base it on the size, location, and appearance of the brain aneurysm as well as any other health conditions that may or may not mean you are a candidate for particular surgeries.
Other Options
Some brain aneurysm treatments are aimed at relieving symptoms and managing any complications brought on by a ruptured aneurysm.
• Pain relievers – Tylenol and other over the counter medications may be used to treat headache pain
• Calcium channel blockers – these medications are used to prevent calcium from entering cells of the blood vessel walls. They can lessen the narrowing of blood vessels that could lead to complications of a ruptured aneurysm. Some medications may reduce the risk of delayed brain injury caused by a lack of blood flow after subarachnoid hemorrhage of a ruptured aneurysm.
• Interventions to prevent stroke from insufficient blood flow – a medication that elevates blood pressure to overcome the resistance of narrowed blood vessels may be injected by intravenous. An angioplasty is another alternative to prevent stroke.
• Anti-seizure medications – seizures that are related to a ruptured aneurysm may be treated with medications.
• Ventricular or lumbar draining catheters and shunt surgery – A catheter may be put into the spaces filled with inside the brain (ventricles) or surrounding your brain and spinal cord to drain excess cerebrospinal fluid. This can lessen the pressure on the brain. A shunt system can create a drainage channel that starts at the brain and ends in your abdominal cavity.
• Rehabilitative therapy – if the brain is damaged due to a subarachnoid hemorrhage there may be a need for physical, speech, and occupational therapy to relearn skills.
High blood pressure can cause a brain aneurysm to rupture. Controlling your blood pressure can lower the risk of rupture. Also, smoking cigarettes can be a risk factor in the formation, growth, and rupture of an aneurysm. Discuss smoking cessation strategies with your doctor as well.
Yashar Neurosurgery has one of the top neurosurgeons in the country. If you have further questions about brain aneurysms you can book and appointment to speak with Dr. Yashar to discuss your situation and options for brain aneurysm treatment.
