A brain aneurysm is an abnormal bulge or ballooning in a weakened blood vessel in the brain. If the aneurysm grows to a certain size, it can burst, causing bleeding into the brain (called a subarachnoid hemorrhage).

A ruptured aneurysm requires immediate medical treatment, as it quickly becomes life-threatening. Treatment for an unruptured brain aneurysm may be appropriate in some cases and may prevent a rupture in the future.

Norton Neuroscience Institute offers the latest, most advanced treatments for aneurysms.

Brain Aneurysm Causes and Risk Factors

People are not born with brain aneurysms — they usually develop at some point in life.

Factors associated with increased risk for aneurysm formation or increased risk for bleeding from an aneurysm are:

• Family history of brain aneurysms
• High blood pressure
• Smoking

Brain Aneurysm Symptoms

The primary symptom of an aneurysm is sudden onset of what often is described as the worst headache of a person’s life. Other associated symptoms may include:

• Blurred or double vision
• Confusion
• Loss of consciousness
• Nausea and vomiting
• Sensitivity to light
• Stiff neck

Types of Brain Aneurysms

Ruptured aneurysm: There is a hole in the aneurysm wall from an initial bleed. The goal is to fix the aneurysm so it can’t bleed again.

Unruptured aneurysm: If an aneurysm is thought to be at relatively high risk for hemorrhage in the future (aneurysms bigger than 6 to 7 millimeters in diameter, aneurysms in certain locations, aneurysms in smokers or in those with family history of aneurysms), it can be treated before it ruptures.

Brain Aneurysm Treatment at Norton Neuroscience Institute

Norton Neuroscience Institute offers cutting-edge medical care for aneurysms. Our team includes renowned neurosurgeons Shervin R. Dashti, M.D., Ph.D., and Tom L. Yao, M.D.

The specialists at Norton Neuroscience Institute are leaders in the emerging field of endovascular neurosurgery, which allows the surgeon to treat many neurological conditions with minimally invasive technique.

Endovascular treatment often is the first treatment option for aneurysms. The procedure entails threading a small plastic catheter from the leg artery all the way into the arteries of the brain and into the aneurysm, using the following different types of techniques:

• Aneurysm clipping
• Aneurysm coiling
• Pipeline embolization surgery

In some cases, traditional surgery is recommended over endovascular techniques.

Care That’s Focused on You

• We operate Norton Neuroscience Institute Resource Center — the area’s only center dedicated to helping you and your family navigate your lives. The Norton Healthcare Foundation funds this important service, so patients don’t need to pay.
• We have dedicated patient navigators who can help with transportation, schedule follow-up appointments and confirm that you can afford prescriptions.
• We provide support groups and exercise classes, develop customized diet plans and can help with issues such as access to disability assistance, housing, and financial and employment advice.
• At Norton Neuroscience Institute, we want to help you get better and well as prevent you from getting sick in the first place. Get help quitting smoking and learn the signs of stroke at Norton Healthcare Prevention & Wellness.
• Communicate with your provider, manage appointments, refill prescriptions and more anytime from a computer or mobile device with a free MyNortonChart account.

Louisville’s Leader in Neurological Care

More patients from Louisville and Southern Indiana seek treatment from Norton Neuroscience Institute’s nationally recognized neurologists and neurosurgeons than any other provider in the area.

• We have more than 60 medical, surgical and research specialists dedicated to providing innovative care to those with brain, spine and nervous system conditions.
• We use advanced minimally invasive neurosurgery equipment that speeds your recovery and minimizes pain.
• Our multidisciplinary clinics offer easy access to specialists in oncology, cardiovascular, orthopedics,  and behavioral health.
• Norton Healthcare has the largest network of accredited stroke centers in the area.
  • Norton Brownsboro Hospital’s designation as a Comprehensive Stroke Center by the Joint Commission and American Stroke Association represents the highest level of care.
  • The Joint Commission also certified Norton Audubon Hospital and Norton Hospital as Primary Stroke Centers and Norton Women’s & Children’s Hospital as an Acute Stroke Ready Hospital.
• Norton Neuroscience Institute Resource Center navigators help educate patients and their families about new diagnoses, available treatments and managing their disease.
• We are nationally recognized by Becker’s Hospital Review as a Top 100 neurosurgery and spine program.