Brain Aneurysm

Brain (or cerebral) aneurysms form in weak areas of arteries that provide blood to the brain. Bulging and ballooning out from the vessel wall, brain aneurysms often appear as small sacs filled with blood. More often than not, brain aneurysms do not rupture and cause bleeding into the brain (subarachnoid hemorrhage). However, if they do, the bleeding that results may lead to a stroke, or even death, without immediate medical attention.

The NorthShore Neurological Institute’s multidisciplinary specialists offer state-of-the-art diagnostic and treatment options for patients with brain aneurysms, through a service of our comprehensive stroke program. Our experts are highly trained in stroke and other disorders affecting the blood vessels in the brain.

Working in unison with other NorthShore specialists, they are uniquely skilled at recognizing and treating brain aneurysms to prevent stroke and other serious medical conditions.

Diagnosis and Treatment
Close collaboration allows our fellowship-trained vascular and endovascular specialists to efficiently evaluate patients with brain aneurysms to quickly determine the best course of treatment. The Neurological Institute’s brain experts work with NorthShore’s neuroradiologists to use sophisticated diagnostic tools, including magnetic resonance imaging, to accurately diagnose bleeding in the brain and its likely cause.

Ruptured brain aneurysms can be surgically repaired to stop the bleeding and potential brain damage. Surgical treatment is selected based on each patient’s individual situation. Our neurosurgical team provides leading-edge surgical options. They range from closing off the base of the aneurysm with a metal clip to less invasive intra-arterial techniques such as endovascular coiling to interrupt the bleeding from within the aneurysm.

Using a catheter inserted via a small incision near the groin, our endovascular specialists perform this advanced minimally-invasive technique by guiding coiling wires up through the catheter into the ruptured artery to disrupt the blood flow. Blood begins clotting around the coiled wires, which then stops the bleeding. Our skilled specialists have broad experience with this technique, which requires specialized training not found in every hospital.

Team Care Advantage
Patients with brain aneurysms greatly benefit from the unified specialists of the Neurological Institute, because our experts draw upon the strengths of other health professionals available within the NorthShore system to develop individualized patient care teams.

As brain aneurysms can lead to stroke, our stroke neurologists and neurosurgeons bring additional expertise to the diagnosis and treatment of patients suffering from potentially fatal bleeding in the brain. NorthShore meets the stringent requirements of the Joint Commission—including a 24/7 Acute Stroke Team.

Please call 877.570.7020 for more information or to schedule an appointment with one of our specialists.