Most brain aneurysms don't show symptoms until they either become very large or rupture. An unruptured aneurysm may be identified if a patient had a brain scan for another reason.
When a brain aneurysm ruptures, the bleeding can be minimal, moderate or severe. A person's physical response (see symptoms) to the hemorrhage will most often be related to the amount of blood that escapes from the aneurysm and around the brain. The initial evaluation of the aneurysm will typically occur in the emergency room following symptoms of a severe headache.
Our emergency care doctors are adept at accessing computerized tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), as well as the latest advanced monitoring tools, including biplane brain angiography.
We have ranked consistently faster than the national average in obtaining CT images of the brain—averaging only five minutes from a patient's arrival in the emergency department.
Diagnosis support for patients & caregivers
Following diagnosis, we discuss the condition in detail with the patient and caregivers. The discussion includes surgical terms and technical treatment options. It is normal to feel overwhelmed when faced with unfamiliar medical language. We want you to be as educated as possible and encourage you to ask any questions you have.
We offer family care conferences and support groups to encourage ongoing discussion and emotional support. They can also ease concerns and help patients and caregivers adapt to the course of treatment and ultimate recovery.
Family care conference
A family care conference gives those involved the opportunity to have all questions answered. A patient's condition could begin to change and important decisions will have to be made quickly and collectively. In this instance, our multidisciplinary team will facilitate the meeting, and everyone, including the patient and caregiver, will work together to determine next steps.
Support group
Support groups are held for patients' family members and are led by an advanced practice nurse and/or social worker. The groups give family members much-needed time to ask questions and decompress. We encourage you to write down questions and concerns to bring to the weekly meetings.
Learn more about our support groups.
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