Daniel Walsh FRCS

Brain Aneurysm

Aneurysms are balloon -like bulges in the wall of a blood vessel that will sometimes rupture causing a serious type of stroke. Although treatable not all aneurysms will cause bleeding. These pages are written and medically reviewed by Mr. Daniel Walsh.

Illustration of a saccular bifurcation cerebral aneurysm created by Daniel Walsh FRCS

Introduction
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Aneurysms are dilatations in blood vessels that may develop anywhere in the body.

CT scan showing subarachnoid haemorrhage caused by a ruptured aneurysm

Subarachnoid Haemorrhage

Rupture of a brain aneurysm is a neurosurgical emergency.

3D digital subtraction angiogram of a middle cerebral artery aneurysm

Unruptured Aneurysm
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Most aneurysms do not rupture but the prediction of those that will is uncertain.

Posterior communicating artery aneurysm

Symptomatic Unruptured Aneurysm

Rarely an unruptured aneurysm may cause symptoms by causing pressure on adjacent structures.

A genetic pedigree

Genetics and Screening
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Although our individual genetic make-up plays a role in our vulnerability to aneurysm, passing them down through generations is uncommon

Illustration of a fusiform aneurysm indenting the brainstem

Hypermobility and Vascular Fragility

A rare collection of collagen disorders that can be implicated in aneurysm development and other arterial diseases.
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A coiled aneurysm

Endovascular Treatment

Aneurysms may be made secure via catheters navigated through the blood vessels

An augmented reality view of a cerebral aneurysm with indocaynine green dye

Microsurgical Treatment

Surgical repair offers a durable cure of appropriately selected aneurysms