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Why choose Geisinger for brain aneurysm care?

Your brain’s the center of your body’s universe. And when it needs treatment, you deserve a team with the experience and technology to handle whatever’s necessary.

Our neurosurgeons treat all types of brain aneurysms, including those that are unruptured or have ruptured. Using 3D imaging helps detect and assess aneurysms quickly so our team can start the right plan — fast.

For unruptured aneurysms, you’ll have access to endovascular and microsurgical options.

When seconds count, we're ready. Our Comprehensive Stroke Centers, Primary Stroke Centers and trauma centers give us the resources to provide emergency care for brain hemorrhages 24/7.

If you have symptoms of a ruptured brain aneurysm, call 911 or emergency services.

Treatments and services we offer

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Related specialties

Comprehensive Stroke Center

Our Comprehensive and Primary Stroke Centers are equipped for the most complex cases.

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FAQs

What’s a brain aneurysm?

A brain aneurysm, also called a cerebral aneurysm, is a bulge or a weakness in the wall of one of your brain’s arteries. 

What are the symptoms of a brain aneurysm?

Some brain aneurysms don’t cause any symptoms, especially if they’re small. If the aneurysm fills with blood and grows larger, it may push on the nerve and cause symptoms, such as headaches. 

If an aneurysm ruptures (bursts), it is known as a brain hemorrhage. People often describe a ruptured brain aneurysm as "the worst headache of my life.” It sometimes also causes nausea, vomiting or loss of consciousness. 

Who gets brain aneurysms?

Brain aneurysms can happen at any age. They’re more common in women than in men. 

Risk factors for brain aneurysms include:

  • A family history
  • Inherited conditions, like polycystic kidney disease and connective tissue disorders
  • High blood pressure
  • Smoking
  • Head injuries

Most brain aneurysms are discovered when imaging is done for another reason. 


What’s a clipping repair for brain aneurysms?

Surgical clipping is a procedure to close off a brain aneurysm. During clipping, a neurosurgeon makes a small opening in the skull, locates the aneurysm and places a tiny metal clip at the base of it to stop blood from getting into it. Clipping keeps the aneurysm from filling with blood or rupturing.

Doctors usually use clipping for aneurysms that are larger, complex or not well-suited to nonsurgical treatment like coiling.

What is an endovascular repair for brain aneurysms?

Endovascular repair is a minimally invasive procedure that treats a brain aneurysm from inside the blood vessel so there’s no need for traditional surgery. During the procedure, the surgeon guides a thin tube through a blood vessel in the groin up to the brain. Endovascular options include coiling, flow diversion or intrasaccular flow diversion. All these techniques seal the aneurysm off from normal blood flow. Endovascular procedures typically have a shorter recovery time than surgical clipping. If you need to repair a brain aneurysm, your care team will help determine which approach is right for you.

Brain aneurysm care at Geisinger 

When it comes to brain aneurysms, having the right team and tools matters. Here's what you can count on:

  • A team that handles complex cases: Vascular neurosurgeons with broad experience in brain aneurysm care — from routine monitoring to emergency intervention — work together to find the right path for you.
  • Multiple treatment options, including the latest technology: From surgical clipping to endovascular coiling, you'll have access to a full range of treatment options.
  • Prompt care when it matters most: Our Comprehensive Stroke Centers, Primary Stroke Centers and trauma centers are staffed and ready around the clock — so if an emergency occurs, you'll get fast, coordinated care right in central and northeastern Pennsylvania.