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What is a Brain Aneurysm?

A brain aneurysm, also called a cerebral or intracranial aneurysm, is an abnormal bulging outward of one of the arteries in the brain. It is estimated that up to one in 15 people in the United States will develop a brain aneurysm during their lifetime.

Brain aneurysms are often discovered when they rupture, causing bleeding into the brain or the space closely surrounding the brain called the subarachnoid space, causing a subarachnoid hemorrhage. Subarachnoid hemorrhage from a ruptured brain aneurysm can lead to a hemorrhagic stroke, brain damage and death.

The main goals of treatment once an aneurysm has ruptured are to stop the bleeding and potential permanent damage to the brain and to reduce the risk of recurrence. Unruptured brain aneurysms are sometimes treated to prevent rupture. Learn more about treatment options for a brain aneurysm.

Incidence Rates of Brain Aneurysms

  • Approximately 0.2 to 3 percent of people with a brain aneurysm may suffer from bleeding per year
  • The annual incidence of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage in the U.S. exceeds 30,000 people. Ten to 15 percent of these patients will die before reaching the hospital and over 50 percent will die within the first thirty days after rupture. Of those who survive, about half suffer some permanent neurological deficit
  • Brain aneurysms can occur in people of all ages, but are most commonly detected in those ages 35 to 60
  • Women are actually more likely to get a brain aneurysm than men, with a ratio of 3:2
 

Features and News
She’s Living Proof
New Englander Susie Laurie is a walking testament to the benefits of coiling vs. surgical clipping, having undergone both procedures to treat aneurysms in her brain.

Treatment of Unruptured Cerebral Aneurysms in California
In California, endovascular therapy of unruptured cerebral aneurysms is associated with less risk of adverse outcomes, lower hospital charges and shorter hospital stays as compared with surgery.
International Subarachnoid Aneurysm Trial
The International Subarachnoid Aneurysm Trial -- or ISAT -- is the only multi-center, prospective randomized trial comparing the safety and efficacy of endovascular coil treatment and surgical clipping for the treatment of ruptured brain aneurysms…


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Financial and developmental support for this site was provided by the Neurovascular Group of Boston Scientific.