Surgery
Brain Aneurysm Treatment
Brain aneurysm treatment seals off a bulge in a blood vessel in the brain to prevent it bursting and causing a stroke.
Quick answer
Brain Aneurysm Treatment: what it is, why it's done and what happens
A brain aneurysm is a weak, bulging area in a blood vessel. Treatment either fills it from the inside with tiny platinum coils passed through a catheter (endovascular coiling), or places a clip across its neck during surgery (clipping).
- Why it is done: It is used for an aneurysm that has burst (a medical emergency causing bleeding on the brain), and for some unruptured aneurysms at higher risk of bursting, to prevent a serious or fatal bleed.
- What happens: Coiling is done through a catheter guided from an artery in the groin to the brain under X-ray, with no open surgery.
What it is
A brain aneurysm is a weak, bulging area in a blood vessel. Treatment either fills it from the inside with tiny platinum coils passed through a catheter (endovascular coiling), or places a clip across its neck during surgery (clipping).
Why it is done
It is used for an aneurysm that has burst (a medical emergency causing bleeding on the brain), and for some unruptured aneurysms at higher risk of bursting, to prevent a serious or fatal bleed.
What happens
Coiling is done through a catheter guided from an artery in the groin to the brain under X-ray, with no open surgery. Clipping requires a craniotomy to reach and clip the aneurysm. Both are under general anaesthetic.
Recovery
Recovery is quicker after coiling than clipping. After a burst aneurysm, care in intensive care and a longer recovery are usual. Follow-up scans check the aneurysm remains sealed.
Good to know
Risks and things to consider
Both treatments carry risks including stroke, bleeding and, for coiling, the aneurysm reopening over time and needing further treatment. The choice depends on the aneurysm’s size, shape and position.
Education and reference only. This explains the procedure in general terms and is not medical advice. Your own care, risks and recovery will be explained by the team looking after you.
Answers
Brain Aneurysm Treatment: frequently asked questions
What is the difference between coiling and clipping?
Coiling seals the aneurysm from the inside via a catheter with no open surgery and usually faster recovery, while clipping places a clip across it during brain surgery. The best option depends on the aneurysm.
Do all brain aneurysms need treating?
No. Many small, unruptured aneurysms are simply monitored, as the risk of treatment may outweigh the risk of bursting. A burst aneurysm, however, is an emergency needing urgent treatment.
Related
Other surgery
Sources
Where this is drawn from
- NHS — Tests and treatments
- NICE — procedure and treatment guidance
- Society of British Neurological Surgeons / relevant professional body
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