Cerebral artery aneurysm treatment

International methods of diagnosis and treatment of cerebral artery aneurysm

Vascular dilatation or rupture of an aneurysm is detected by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT). When an aneurysm ruptures, the doctor has enough symptoms to suspect a diagnosis. Other diagnostic tests include:

• examination of cerebrospinal fluid,
• cerebral angiography.

Visualization techniques

If a ruptured aneurysm in the brain is suspected, computed tomography (CT) is done. With this X-ray study, blood flow in the brain, hemorrhage and ruptured aneurysm can be clearly observed.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) does not use X-rays and provides more information about bleeding and cerebral vasodilation than CT.

Laboratory methods

In patients with a serious condition, fluid in the brain and spinal cord (CSF) is examined. If the aneurysm ruptures, there will be red blood cells in the cerebrospinal fluid. A special needle is used to draw fluid from the spinal canal. This procedure is called lumbar puncture.

Cerebral angiography

Cerebral angiography is used to establish a definitive diagnosis. From the groin to the brain, a thin, flexible catheter is passed through a large artery. The arteries of the brain are stained with a dye and a ruptured aneurysm is clearly visible on CT.

Methods for the treatment of cerebral artery aneurysm

The first step is to assess the presence of symptoms and risk factors. In the absence of symptoms and risks, it is sufficient to undergo regular examination. But if there is a risk of rupture, it is necessary to strengthen the artery or clamp the aneurysm.

Treatment options depend on:

• the age of the person,
• the severity of symptoms,
• location of the aneurysm,
• the size of the aneurysm,
• forms of the vasculature of the brain,
• presence of other diseases.

Endovascular method

In endovascular embolization, a catheter is used to advance a fine wire mesh from the groin into a weakened artery in the brain. This stent strengthens the vessel wall from the inside. Then the micro-spiral platinum spiral fills the defect in the vessel wall.

Neurosurgical methods

These methods are used when it is impossible to perform the endovascular method or when urgent treatment is required.
The surgeon opens the skull and chooses one of the options for eliminating the problem:

• clamp the weakened area of the artery with a titanium clamp (clipping),
• strengthen the vascular wall from the outside in the defective place (wrapping),
• Introduce balloons before and after a cerebral aneurysm (balloon angioplasty).

Drug treatment

Symptoms and complications are usually treated with medications. Pain relievers for headaches and calcium channel blockers are prescribed to prevent vasospasm. Narrowing of the intracranial arteries can lead to severe and fatal cerebral infarctions.

How to choose a clinic for treatment abroad

• availability of special equipment for various neurosurgical and endovascular treatment methods;
• modern CT and MRI machines;
• experienced specialists (neurologists, neurosurgeons, nurses);
• use of international diagnostic and treatment protocols.