Aneurysms

 St. Joseph's Hospital: Aneurysm Care

Aneurysms occur when there is a weakened area in the wall of a blood vessel, causing the vessel to bulge. Complications can lead to stroke, seizures and loss of movement in part of the body.

Cerebral aneurysms affect blood vessels which supply the brain.  When such a bubble appears in the head, it is called an "intracranial aneurysm." These aneurysms are extraordinarily dangerous because they can burst, flooding the brain or skull with blood. This condition is called a subarachnoid hemorrhage.

At St. Joseph's Hospital, we apply a new form of therapy to intracranial aneurysms: Endovascular coiling.  This procedure results in better outcomes with decreased danger to the patient. With endovascular coiling, platinum micro coils, similar to very tiny springs, are placed in the aneurysm via a tiny tube. These coils fill the aneurysm, causing it to clot. The chance of re-bleeding is decreased to nearly zero. Learn more about the endovascular coiling procedure.

Some aneurysms are not as life threatening as an intracranial aneurysm, such as an anterior epistaxis, which can be a nosebleed. The posterior epistaxis aneurysm is much more serious.

For more information about our comprehensive brain surgery capabilities, call(813) 870-4000.