What is a Brain Aneurysm?

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