Brain Aneurysm

A brain aneurysm is a balloon or bubble-like growth usually located on an artery at the base of the brain. Aneurysms typically develop at the point where a major artery branches into smaller arteries.

Aneurysms have the potential to rupture, causing bleeding into the brain or the surrounding area called the subarachnoid space, leading to a subarachnoid hemorrhage. Subarachnoid hemorrhage from a ruptured brain aneurysm can cause a hemorrhagic stroke, brain damage and death.

About 3 percent to 5 percent of the American population is affected by a brain aneurysm. The condition most commonly affects adults between the ages of 35 to 60 years old, although children also can have the condition. Aneurysms affect women more frequently than men. The condition can develop from continuous wear and tear on the artery walls and also can be caused by other factors, including genetic factors, an injury or infection.

At UCSF Medical Center, our Neurovascular Disease and Stroke Center is recognized as one of the world's leaders in diagnosing and treating brain aneurysms. We care for more than 300 aneurysm patients each year. Our team includes neurologists, neurosurgeons and neuroradiologists who work together to design the best possible treatment for you.

We specialize in a wide range of surgical treatment approaches, including microsurgical techniques, skull base surgery and advanced therapies such as occlusion with platinum coils. We also treat complex and giant aneurysms that cannot be treated with conventional approaches.

For more information or to make an appointment, please call:

For information about aneurysms in other parts of the body such as aortic or abdominal aneurysms, please call:
Vascular Surgery (415) 353-2357

For help finding a doctor, contact our Physician Referral Service:

Reviewed by health care specialists at UCSF Medical Center.
Last updated August 29, 2007