Brain Aneurysm

Overview

A brain aneurysm, also called a cerebral aneurysm, is an abnormal bulge or ballooning in a blood vessel supplying your brain (cerebrum). The weakened area forms a sac or small balloon that fills with blood. Usually brain aneurysms occur at branching points of arteries.

Brain aneurysms can rupture and cause bleeding into your brain. Usually this occurs in the area between your brain and the surrounding membrane (the arachnoid), called the subarachnoid space, causing a subarachnoid hemorrhage. Many small brain aneurysms, especially those located on the arteries in the front part of your brain, have a low risk of rupture. However, ruptured brain aneurysms can lead to stroke and death.

Why choose Mayo Clinic

Mayo Clinic is one of the nation's largest treatment and research centers for diseases involving your brain and the blood vessels in your brain (cerebrovascular diseases). Mayo Clinic doctors care for people who have brain aneurysms, strokes, blocked carotid arteries and related diseases.

Doctors who have training in brain conditions (neurologists), brain surgeons (neurosurgeons), brain imaging specialists (neuroradiologists) and other specialists work together to evaluate and treat people who have brain aneurysms. In Mayo Clinic's efficient system, your diagnosis, testing and treatment usually can be completed within a few days.

Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, is ranked among the Best Hospitals for Neurology & Neurosurgery by U.S. News & World Report. Mayo Clinic also ranks among the Best Children's Hospitals in Neurology & Neurosurgery.

Read more about brain aneurysms at MayoClinic.com.