Unruptured Brain Aneurysms

The discovery of an unruptured brain aneurysm can be stressful. You are likely to have many questions about your diagnosis – and some important decisions to make.

You can feel confident in relying on the expertise of the brain aneurysm specialists at Johns Hopkins, as Les Picker did when he was facing an aneuryism:

Superior Expertise and Modern Treatments for Brain Aneurysm

Every year, hundreds of patients with even the most complex brain aneurysms experience our collaborative approach, decades of experience and access to the full range of modern technologies, delivered with care and compassion.

Johns Hopkins' Aneurysm Center offers you a range of treatments, including newer, less invasive therapies, so your neurosurgeon can recommend the procedure most appropriate for your individual situation, such as:

• Observation
• Microsurgical clipping
• Endovascular coiling
• Artery occlusion and bypass
• Flow diversion with stents

In addition, our innovative Neuroscience Critical Care Unit (NCCU) supports you through every stage of your neurosurgical procedure, with specialized care informed by clinical expertise and the latest research.

Complimentary Concierge Services

Your journey to Johns Hopkins is in good hands with our specially trained medical concierge representatives. They will help you make the arrangements you and your family need for a more comfortable stay at The Johns Hopkins Hospital, including travel and lodging, appointments with the appropriate medical specialists and access to integrative medical services.

Meet Our Team

Rafael Jesus Tamargo, M.D.

Walter E. Dandy Professor of Neurosurgery
Director, Division of Cerebrovascular Neurosurgery
Vice-Chairman, Department of Neurosurgery
Neurosurgical Co-Director, Neurosciences Critical Care Unit
Professor of Neurosurgery
Professor of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery

 

Judy Huang, M.D.

Vice Chair, Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
Director, Neurosurgery Residency Program
Director, Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center
Director, Cerebrovascular Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center
Director, Cerebrovascular Neurosurgery Fellowship Program
Co-Director, Multidisciplinary Adult Cranioplasty Center
Co-Director, Chiari Center
Co-Director, Trigeminal Neuralgia Center
Co-Director, Fellowship in Neuroplastic Surgery
Professor of Neurosurgery

 

What is an unruptured brain aneurysm?

An aneurysm is a bulging, weakened area in the wall of an artery, resulting in an abnormal widening or ballooning. Because there is a weakened spot in the artery wall, there is a risk for rupture (bursting) of the aneurysm. An unruptured aneurysm, therefore, is an aneurysm that has not yet ruptured.

The presence of an aneurysm may not be known until too late when it ruptures. However, occasionally there may be symptoms that occur before an actual rupture rapid expansion of the aneurysm in the final stages before it ruptures.

Symptoms of an Unruptured Brain Aneurysm

The symptoms of an unruptured aneurysm include, but are not limited to, the following:

• headaches
• dizziness
• eye pain
• vision deficits (problems with seeing)
• double or blurry vision
• seizures

The symptoms of an aneurysm may resemble other problems or medical conditions. Always consult your physician for a diagnosis.

Diagnosis of an Unruptured Brain Aneurysm

Most unruptured aneurysms are discovered incidentally during routine imaging of the brain, such as an MRI or CT scan (see Diagnosis of a Brain Aneurysm). A person with a family history of brain aneurysms would be encouraged to have screening performed, at which point an unruptured aneurysm might be found. Additionally, some persons might be prompted to have imaging performed due to the onset of other neurological symptoms, such as headaches or visual disturbances.

Many unruptured brain aneurysms are found due to neurological symptoms caused by the size of the aneurysm. Some aneurysms are quite large in size and may push on a nerve in the brain, causing what is called the "mass effect." The aneurysm may cause neurological symptoms such as blurring of vision, headaches, and more, before bleeding.

Treatment for an Unruptured Brain Aneurysm

Specific treatment will be determined by your physician based on:

• your age, overall health, and medical history
• extent of the disease
• your signs and symptoms
• your tolerance of specific medications, procedures, or therapies
• expectations for the course of the disease
• your opinion or preference

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Maryland Patients

To request an appointment or refer a patient, please contact the Johns Hopkins Aneurysm Center at 410-614-1533.
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Whether you're crossing the country or the globe, we make it easy to access world-class care at Johns Hopkins.

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