The difference in brain aneurysms

A brain aneurysm, also called a cerebral aneurysm, is a bulge or ballooning in a blood vessel in the brain. Dr. Chris Fox, a Mayo Clinic neurosurgeon, says there are two broad categories of aneurysms: ruptured aneurysms, which are neurosurgical emergencies, and unruptured aneurysms, where there is time to establish a treatment plan that may involve multiple options.

“For unruptured aneurysms, we have the ability to plan and make a decision on the best treatment upfront in a nonemergent situation,” Fox says.

But when a brain aneurysm ruptures, prompt medical attention is required.

“Typically, when we see a patient with a ruptured aneurysm, we treat it as quickly as possible. That’s usually within a matter of hours because there’s a risk that the aneurysm can rerupture,” he says.

— MAYO CLINIC NEWS NETWORK