Diagnosis
If you experience a sudden, severe headache or other symptoms that could be related to a ruptured aneurysm, you'll be given tests to determine whether you've had bleeding into the space between your brain and surrounding tissues (subarachnoid hemorrhage). The tests can also determine if you've had another type of stroke.
You may also be given tests if you show symptoms of an unruptured brain aneurysm, such as pain behind the eye, changes in vision or double vision
Diagnostic tests include:
Computerized tomography (CT). A CT scan, which is a specialized X-ray exam, is usually the first test used to determine if you have bleeding in the brain or some other type of stroke. The test produces images that are 2D "slices" of the brain.
With this test, you may also receive an injection of a dye that makes it easier to observe blood flow in the brain and may indicate the presence of an aneurysm. This variation of the test is called a CT angiogram.
Cerebrospinal fluid test. If you've had a subarachnoid hemorrhage, there will most likely be red blood cells in the fluid surrounding your brain and spine (cerebrospinal fluid). If you have symptoms of a ruptured aneurysm but a CT scan doesn't shown evidence of bleeding, a test of your cerebrospinal fluid can help make a diagnosis.
The procedure to draw cerebrospinal fluid from your back with a needle is called a lumbar puncture.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). This imaging technique uses a magnetic field and radio waves to create detailed images of the brain, either 2D images or 3D images.
A type of MRI that assesses the arteries in detail — called MR angiography — may detect the presence of an aneurysm.
Cerebral angiogram. During this procedure, a thin, flexible tube (catheter) is inserted into a large artery, usually in the groin or the wrist. The catheter threads past your heart to the arteries in your brain. A special dye injected into the catheter travels to arteries throughout your brain.
A series of X-ray images can then reveal details about the condition of your arteries and detect an aneurysm. A cerebral angiogram — also called a cerebral arteriogram — is usually used when other diagnostic tests don't provide enough information.
A doctor converses with a woman about brain aneurysm
Consultation
A doctor shares information about brain aneurysm diagnosis.
Screening for brain aneurysms
The use of imaging tests to screen for unruptured brain aneurysms is generally not recommended unless you're at high risk. Talk to your health care provider about the potential benefit of a screening test if you have:
A family history of brain aneurysms. Particularly if two first-degree relatives — your parents or siblings — have had brain aneurysms.
A congenital disorder that increases your risk of developing a brain aneurysm — such as polycystic kidney disease, coarctation of the aorta or Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, among others.A brain aneurysm is usually diagnosed using angiography. Angiography is a type of X-ray used to check blood vessels. This involves inserting a needle, usually in the groin, through which a narrow tube called a catheter can be guided into one of your blood vessels.
This imaging technique uses a magnetic field and radio waves to create detailed images of the brain, either 2D images or 3D images. A type of MRI that assesses the arteries in detail — called MR angiography — may detect the presence of an aneurysm.
