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Guidelines for sites linking to mayoclinic.orgMayo Clinic is one of the nation's largest treatment and research centers for cerebrovascular diseases. Mayo specialists care for thousands of patients each year who have aneurysms, strokes, blocked carotid arteries and other diseases. Mayo Clinic is ranked No. 1 in Neurology and Neurosurgery by U.S. News & World Report.
World-renowned specialists from neurology, neurosurgery and neuroradiology have advanced training and experience in the management of children and adults with cerebral aneurysms (also known as brain aneurysms). They work together to deliver the best treatment options for each patient. In Mayo's efficient system, testing and treatment can usually be completed in a few days.
An aneurysm's risk of rupture is a key factor in planning care. An international study led by Mayo Clinic specialists found that size and location of a cerebral aneurysm were the major predictors of rupture. This research has helped to improve the care that brain aneurysm patients receive because knowing the risk of rupture helps physicians determine whether surgery or another intervention is needed.
Mayo Clinic specialists use CT scans, MRI, and cerebral arteriograms to determine an aneurysm's size, location and risk of rupture. Test results generally are available to the neurologist in Mayo's state-of-the-art electronic medical record within 24 hours. Learn more about cerebral aneurysm diagnosis.
Mayo Clinic offers the full range brain aneurysm treatment options. Mayo physicians have special expertise in the use of minimally invasive techniques (such as aneurysm coiling) to treat cerebral aneurysms, including aneurysms in hard-to-reach or critical locations. Read more about cerebral aneurysm treatment options.
CT angiogram of right internal carotid aneurysm
A cerebral aneurysm is an abnormal bulge or ballooning in a blood vessel supplying the cerebrum (brain). The weakened area forms a sac that fills with blood. Typically aneurysms occur at branching points of arteries.
Aneurysms can rupture and bleed into the area between the brain and the surrounding membrane (the arachnoid). The space between the brain and the arachnoid is called the subarachnoid space, and bleeding into this space is called a subarachnoid hemorrhage. Many aneurysms under ¼ inch in diameter, especially if located on the arteries in the front part of the brain, have a low risk of rupture. However, aneurysms that rupture can lead to stroke and death. People who have a subarachnoid hemorrhage have a 30 percent to 50 percent chance of death within 30 days; half of those who survive end up disabled.
It's estimated that about 2 percent of Americans (six million people) have brain aneurysms. About 25,000 people each year experience a ruptured aneurysm, which means that the vast majority of aneurysms do not rupture.
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Mark Drobac was in his garage pulling spark plugs out of his van when he suddenly got the most severe headache he had ever had. An aneurysm in his brain had ruptured.
Read Mark's story.
See all patient stories related to Cerebral Aneurysm.
Read all patient stories.
Watch Mayo Clinic neurologist Robert Brown, M.D., discuss the results of a brain aneurysm study and brain aneurysm treatment at Mayo Clinic on YouTube.
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