A brain, or cerebral, aneurysm is a common problem. Brain aneurysms are often found when evaluating a different, unrelated symptom. Given that this is a silent but potentially life-threatening disorder, catching an unruptured aneurysm gives you options on how to best handle it.
Emory Neurosurgery experts provide the unparalleled care you deserve. We support and care for you from diagnosis to recovery, and every step in between.
Emory Healthcare is at the forefront of research for brain aneurysms. U.S. News & World Report ranks us nationally for neurosurgery.
We see one of the largest volumes of brain aneurysm cases in the U.S. Our team specializes in innovative treatments for both unruptured aneurysms and ruptured aneurysms, including emergency surgery.
An aneurysm starts at a weak point on an artery. As the heart pumps blood, every second, of every day, that weak point can get stretched further and further, resulting in a blister or balloon-like bubble off of the artery.
That bulge is an aneurysm, and it may be dangerous because the weak part of the artery may burst and lead to bleeding in the brain (a hemorrhagic stroke). This is a life-threatening situation and can result in lifelong disability or even death. Characteristics of the patient and the aneurysm are important to figure out in order to know whether an aneurysm is at high or low risk of rupture.
The cause of brain aneurysm is unknown, but certain risk factors may make you more likely to develop one.
Risks for a brain aneurysm include:
Most unruptured aneurysms are incidental – meaning they are found during the evaluation of a different and unrelated symptom (such as headache or memory problems). In rare circumstances, if an aneurysm grows large enough and is in a particular location , it can cause symptoms (such as changes in vision) by pushing on normal brain structures. Most often, however, brain aneurysms are not symptomatic.
If an aneurysm bursts, patients commonly say they experienced a sudden-onset, worst headache of their life. It is not a typical headache, it comes on all-at-once, like flipping a light switch. When this occurs, blood has spilled in the brain and the patient is at risk for permanent brain injury or death.
Seek emergency treatment immediately if you or a loved one experience the following:
We diagnose a brain aneurysm with minimally invasive imaging tests, such as:
We offer cutting-edge treatment options for brain aneurysms.
Create a MyChart account to schedule online.
For the neurology department, call 404-778-3444.
For the neurosurgery department, call 404-778-5770.
Create a MyChart account to schedule online.
For the neurology department, call 404-778-3444.
For the neurosurgery department, call 404-778-5770.
