Brain Aneurysms (Cerebral Aneurysms)
Brain Aneurysm Experts
At Stony Brook Medicine, we are leaders in diagnosing and treating brain aneurysms, offering advanced care that’s often unavailable elsewhere. Our team, led by renowned experts Dr. David Fiorella and Dr. Reza Dashti, specializes in treating even the most complex aneurysms.
Whether your aneurysm requires monitoring, immediate intervention, or a discussion to determine whether open surgery or a minimally invasive technique is the best option for you, our goal is to provide safe, effective care with minimal disruption to your daily life. We are also proud to be a trusted site for clinical trials, giving our patients access to cutting-edge treatments and technologies.
What is a Brain Aneurysm?
A brain aneurysm, also known as a cerebral aneurysm, is a weak spot in a blood vessel in the brain that bulges and fills with blood, resembling a small balloon. While some brain aneurysms remain harmless, others can grow, increasing the risk of rupture and bleeding in the brain—a life-threatening emergency.
Key Facts About Brain Aneurysms
- How Common are They? Approximately 1 in 50 Americans have a brain aneurysm, though many are unaware of it.
- Symptoms: Unruptured aneurysms may cause headaches, eye pain or vision changes. A ruptured aneurysm often presents as a sudden, severe headache described as "the worst headache of my life."
- Risk Factors: Age, high blood pressure, smoking, family history and certain demographics (such as women over 55, Black/African American and Hispanic individuals) can increase the risk.
Early detection is critical. Regular check-ups and imaging scans can help identify aneurysms before they become a problem.
How Are Brain Aneurysms Detected?
Brain aneurysms are often discovered during imaging tests for unrelated health concerns. If symptoms like persistent headaches or vision changes occur, we may recommend an MRI, CT scan or angiogram to confirm the diagnosis.
Should My Family Members Be Screened?
If you have a family history of brain aneurysms, especially with two or more close relatives (a parent, sibling or child) affected, screening may be recommended. Discuss this with your doctor to determine the best course of action.
Why is Getting a Second Opinion Important?
Seeking a second opinion for brain aneurysm care is a valuable step. It can confirm your diagnosis, provide additional treatment options and give you peace of mind. At Stony Brook Medicine, our experts specialize in minimally invasive techniques that may not be available elsewhere, as well as open surgery. A second opinion could determine that instead of open brain surgery, a less invasive approach is an option.
Remember, you only have one brain—it’s worth exploring all your options.
Treating Brain Aneurysms at Stony Brook
At Stony Brook Medicine, we specialize in both open and advanced minimally invasive treatments.
Our advanced techniques include:
- Intravascular Flow Diversion: Using devices like the Pipeline™ Embolization Device (PED) to reconstruct blood vessels.
- Intrasaccular Flow Diversion: Introducing devices such as the Woven EndoBridge (WEB™) into the aneurysm to block blood flow.
- Aneurysm Coiling: Placing tiny coils inside the aneurysm to promote clotting and prevent rupture.
- Brain Aneurysm Clipping: For cases requiring open surgery, our specialists perform precise clipping procedures to cut off the aneurysm’s blood supply.
Our team also participates in and often serve as principal investigators on brain aneurysm clinical trials. Often, these clinical trials are not available elsewhere in our region, ensuring our patients have access to the latest therapies and devices.
Why Choose Stony Brook?
With over 20 years of experience, our Cerebrovascular Center is a leader in brain aneurysm care. We combine expertise, innovation and compassion to deliver the best possible outcomes for our patients.
If you’ve been diagnosed with a brain aneurysm, consider getting a second opinion from our team. Again, you only have one brain – it’s worth exploring all your options. For more information or to schedule a consultation, call us at (631) 444-1213.
