Is Surgery Always Necessary for a Brain Aneurysm—Or Are There Safer Options?

Discovering a brain aneurysm can be alarming. A brain aneurysm is a bulge or ballooning in a blood vessel in the brain, which can rupture and cause serious complications. But if you or a loved one has been diagnosed with an unruptured aneurysm, you may wonder: Is surgery always necessary? Are there safer, less invasive treatment options?

At IGEA Brain, Spine, Pain and Orthopedics, we understand how important it is to tailor treatment to each patient’s unique situation.

Understanding Brain Aneurysms

Brain aneurysms vary in size, location, and risk of rupture. Many small aneurysms remain stable for years without causing symptoms, while larger or irregular-shaped aneurysms have a higher chance of rupturing, which is a medical emergency.

Treatment Options: Surgery and Beyond

• Observation and Monitoring: For small, low-risk aneurysms, careful monitoring with regular imaging may be recommended. This “watchful waiting” approach avoids surgery but requires consistent follow-up to detect any changes in size or shape.
• Surgical Clipping: Surgical clipping is an open brain surgery where a metal clip is placed around the base of the aneurysm to stop blood flow into it. This procedure is highly effective but involves a longer recovery and carries the risks associated with open brain surgery.
• Endovascular Coiling: A less invasive alternative is endovascular coiling, where a catheter is threaded through blood vessels to the aneurysm site. Soft platinum coils are then inserted to fill the aneurysm, preventing blood flow and rupture. This approach usually has a shorter recovery time and less risk than open surgery.
• Flow Diversion: Flow diversion involves placing a stent in the parent artery to divert blood flow away from the aneurysm, promoting healing of the vessel wall. It’s another minimally invasive option for certain aneurysms.

Choosing the Right Treatment

The best treatment depends on many factors including:

• Aneurysm size, shape, and location
• Patient’s age and overall health
• Risk of rupture vs. risks of intervention
• Patient preferences and lifestyle considerations

At IGEA, our team uses advanced imaging and multidisciplinary expertise to recommend a personalized plan that balances safety and effectiveness.

Making an Informed Decision

Not all brain aneurysms require immediate surgery. With modern minimally invasive techniques and careful monitoring, many patients can avoid open surgery without compromising safety.

If you’ve been diagnosed with a brain aneurysm, understanding your options is key to making the best decision for your health and peace of mind.

Reach out to IGEA Brain, Spine, Pain and Orthopedics to explore your treatment options with our experienced team.