About 1% of the population has an aneurysm inside their head. Finding and treating a brain aneurysm both before and after it becomes an emergency requires a specific type of care. That’s why the AdventHealth Tampa team includes specialty-trained doctors called neurointerventional radiologists, who use a less invasive approach to treat lesions of the brain and spine — including brain aneurysms.
What is a Brain Aneurysm?
An aneurysm is a weakened part of a blood vessel that expands.
“I tell my patients that a brain aneurysm is like a bubble on a tire — except it forms on a blood vessel,” explains Richard Klucznik, MD a board-certified neurointerventional radiologist at AdventHealth Tampa. “And since the blood vessels in our head aren’t as strong as the ones in our heart or legs, over time, high blood pressure, diabetes and other factors can cause these bubbles to form.”
There are two types of brain aneurysms: those that have ruptured and cause bleeding inside the head (an emergency aneurysm) and those that haven’t. And it’s likely you won’t even know you have an aneurysm until you have a brain imaging scan, such as an MRI, or your aneurysm ruptures.
“There are some hereditary factors to aneurysms, too,” explains Dr. Klucznik. “If you have an aunt or uncle, mother or father who has had an aneurysm or ruptured aneurysm, you’re at a higher risk and should be screened. The easiest way is with an MRI scan of the brain.”
Aneurysm vs Stroke
Though many people confuse an aneurysm with a stroke, they are two distinct conditions. However, an aneurysm that ruptures can lead to a stroke. Bleeding from a blood vessel in the brain is also known as a hemorrhagic stroke, which accounts for about 13% of all strokes, according to the American Stroke Association.
Brain Aneurysm Symptoms
Most brain aneurysms don’t cause symptoms unless they rupture. Then, the pain can get severe.
“Those with ruptures usually have the worst headache of their life,” says James Lefler, MD, board-certified neurointerventional radiologist at AdventHealth Tampa. “They often describe it as an elephant stepping on their head and not getting off. We treat these aneurysms as emergencies.”
The most common symptoms of a ruptured brain aneurysm include:
- A sudden, intense headache
- Loss of consciousness (or a coma)
- Nausea and vomiting
Sensitivity to light
Treatment for an Emergency Aneurysm
Emergency aneurysms require treatment right away. When a person with a ruptured aneurysm comes to the hospital, they will likely have:
- A CT scan to see if there’s blood in the brain
- An angiogram to see if there’s an aneurysm
If you have an aneurysm, your neurointerventional radiology team will likely use a coil to stop or prevent the aneurysm from bleeding. Interventional neuroradiologists typically use specialized imaging equipment to access your blood vessel through your groin. That way, they don’t have to open the skull for brain surgery.
“We go through the groin to the head and try to exclude the aneurysm from circulation,” describes Dr. Lefler. “We do that either with coils inside the aneurysm, or we use a stent across the neck of the aneurysm. It’s almost like a jail cell that keeps the aneurysm away from everything else.”
Aneurysms that haven’t ruptured are usually treated on an outpatient basis. Patients come in one day and are home the next. With ruptured aneurysms, even with a minimally invasive procedure, the hospital stay is longer.
“Many patients stay in the hospital for two to three weeks,” says Dr. Lefler. “They usually recover from the treatment pretty quickly but require more time to recover from the blood inside the head if the aneurysm ruptured.”
Work with Brain Aneurysm Experts
If you or a loved one has a brain aneurysm or concerns about a brain aneurysm, we’re here to help. At AdventHealth Tampa, we bring together top experts and the latest and greatest technologies—all so you get the best possible care for your body, mind and spirit.
About Dr. Lefler
James Lefler, MD, is a board-certified neurointerventional radiologist who brings over 25 years of dedication and experience treating patients with neurovascular diseases of the head, brain, neck and spine using the latest minimally invasive techniques. He has completed fellowships in radiology, neuroradiology and interventional neuroradiology. Dr. Lefler has a Certificate of Added Qualification in Neuroradiology (CAQ-Neuroradiology) from the American Board of Radiology and is CAST Certified in CNS Endovascular Neurosurgery by the Society of Neurological Surgeons. He also treats patients who suffer from intracranial aneurysms, Arteriovenous Malformation (AVM) and acute stroke.
About Dr. Klucznik
Richard Klucznik, MD, FACR, FSNIS, is a board-certified neurointerventional radiologist with more than 35 years of experience. He has completed fellowships in radiology, neuroradiology and interventional neuroradiology. Dr. Klucznik has a Certificate of Added Qualification in Neuroradiology (CAQ-Neuroradiology) from the American Board of Radiology and is CAST Certified in CNS Endovascular Neurosurgery by the Society of Neurological Surgeons. He focuses on the endovascular treatment of aneurysms, arteriovenous malformations, vascular malformations of the brain and spine, and strokes.
