Expert Emergency Brain Aneurysm Treatment in Arizona

A brain aneurysm, also known as a cerebral aneurysm, is a weak, bulging segment of a blood vessel in the brain. Left untreated, a brain aneurysm can burst and bleed into the brain.

A brain aneurysm rupture is a medical emergency. Almost half of people who experience a brain aneurysm rupture do not survive it. About 20 to 35 percent of people have moderate to severe brain damage after a rupture.

At Dignity Health, our talented doctors provide highly skilled emergency treatment for brain aneurysm in Arizona. Use our online InQuicker™ tool to select your estimated arrival time to your nearest Dignity Health emergency room location.

Symptoms of Brain Aneurysm

Most brain aneurysms don’t cause any symptoms. Your doctor may find a brain aneurysm during an evaluation for another medical condition. Symptoms can develop if a brain aneurysm grows large or if it bursts.

Signs and symptoms of a ruptured aneurysm are: 

• Eye pain
• Vision changes
• Severe headache
• Numbness
• Weakness
• Nausea
• Vomiting 

Call 9-1-1 if you suspect a ruptured brain aneurysm.

Causes of Brain Aneurysm

Some people have a higher risk of brain aneurysms than others. Being female and growing older increases the risk. Your risk is also higher if someone in your family has had a brain aneurysm.

Certain diseases increase the risk of brain aneurysm: 

• Diabetes
• Atherosclerosis
• High blood pressure
• Polycystic kidney disease

Your lifestyle may contribute to your risk of brain aneurysm, too. Avoid using:

• Tobacco
• Illicit drugs
• Too much alcohol

Treatment of Brain Aneurysm at Dignity Health

Not all brain aneurysms require treatment. Treatment options depend upon on the size, type, and location of your aneurysm. If your brain aneurysm is small and not causing problems, your doctor may recommend monitoring it for changes. In other cases, your doctor may recommend medication or surgery to prevent the aneurysm from rupturing. Your doctor will assess your unique experience to develop a personalized treatment plan. 

When an aneurysm ruptures or bursts, it can bleed into the brain causing a hemorrhagic stroke. It can also bleed into the space around the brain causing a subarachnoid hemorrhage. Either of these are serious conditions that can lead to permanent brain or nerve damage or death. Your treatment plan will aim to stop bleeding into the brain and prevent further brain damage.