Understanding brain aneurysms and stroke risk

What is a brain aneurysm?

• High blood pressure (hypertension): Chronic pressure on artery walls weakens them over time.
• Smoking: Tobacco use damages blood vessels and increases the risk of rupture.
• Family history: Aneurysms can run in families, especially if multiple close relatives have had one.
• Age and sex: Aneurysms are more common in people over 40 and in women.
• Certain health conditions: Polycystic kidney disease, connective tissue disorders like Ehlers-Danlos syndrome and arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) can increase risk.
• Head injury: Trauma may contribute, but only in rare cases.
• Drug use: Cocaine and other stimulants can elevate blood pressure rapidly, stressing the vessel walls.

Understanding your risk factors can help guide preventive care and decisions about brain imaging.

Can stress cause a brain aneurysm?

Stress doesn’t directly cause a brain aneurysm. But chronic stress can cause elevated blood pressure, which is a risk factor for brain aneurysms.

If you’re experiencing chronic or ongoing stress, speak with your doctor to find ways to manage it. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or talk therapy and medications may help. Eating well, exercising, sleeping enough and meditation are also comprehensive ways to lower stress.

What are the warning signs of a brain aneurysm?

Many brain aneurysms don’t cause symptoms until they rupture. But sometimes, especially if the aneurysm is large or pressing on nearby brain tissue or nerves, you might notice warning signs, such as:

• Headaches that are localized and don’t go away
• Vision problems, such as double vision or loss of vision
• Pain above or behind one eye
• Dilated pupils or drooping eyelids
• Weakness or numbness on one side of the face

When a ruptured brain aneurysm occurs, the symptoms are sudden and severe:

• A thunderclap headache, often described as the worst headache of your life.
• Nausea and vomiting
• Stiff neck
• Loss of consciousness or confusion
• Seizures
• Sensitivity to light

A ruptured brain aneurysm is a medical emergency. Call 911 immediately if these symptoms appear.

Can a brain aneurysm be cured?

The word “cure” can be complicated when it comes to brain aneurysms. Many small aneurysms don’t require treatment and may be monitored with routine imaging. Others can be successfully treated with surgery or minimally invasive procedures to prevent rupture.

The goal is always to eliminate the risk of rupture while protecting healthy brain tissue. With the right treatment plan and expert care, many people go on to live full, healthy lives.

What are brain aneurysm treatments?

Treatment depends on the size, shape and location of the aneurysm, as well as the person’s age and overall health. Options include:

• Observation and monitoring: For small, unruptured aneurysms with low risk of rupture, no active treatment may be required.
• Endovascular coiling: A minimally invasive procedure where a catheter is threaded through the blood vessels to the aneurysm. Coils are placed to block blood flow into the aneurysm.
• Surgical clipping: A small metal clip is placed at the base of the aneurysm to stop blood flow.
• Flow diverters or stents: These can redirect blood flow away from the aneurysm, encouraging it to heal.

At Nuvance Health, we have skilled endovascular neurosurgeons available 24/7, ready to treat ruptured or unruptured brain aneurysms. We use advanced imaging, minimally invasive techniques and a coordinated team approach to ensure patients get the best possible outcome.

What are the odds of surviving a brain aneurysm?

Survival after a ruptured brain aneurysm depends on how quickly treatment is received. According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS):

• About 1 in 3 people do not survive a rupture
• Of those who survive, some may experience long-term complications
• Early treatment improves the odds of recovery

That’s why it’s so important to seek emergency care the moment symptoms of a brain bleed or stroke appear. Unruptured aneurysms treated before they bleed have excellent outcomes.

The bottom line: A brain aneurysm may sound like a frightening diagnosis, but understanding the condition can help you take control. Many aneurysms don’t rupture and can be safely monitored or treated. If you or a loved one experiences symptoms — especially signs of a ruptured brain aneurysm, hemorrhagic stroke or brain bleed — don’t wait. Call 911 and get emergency care.

At Nuvance Health, we have the expertise and compassion to treat brain aneurysms effectively and help you move forward with confidence. We’re here when you need us.