Treatment

Treatment initially focuses on stabilizing your condition.

If your bleeding is caused by a ruptured brain aneurysm, your doctor might recommend:

• Surgery. The surgeon makes an incision in your scalp and locates the brain aneurysm. A metal clip is placed across the aneurysm's neck to stop the blood flow to it.
• Endovascular embolization. The surgeon inserts a catheter into an artery in your groin and threads it to your brain. Detachable platinum coils are guided through the catheter and placed in the aneurysm. The coils fill the aneurysm, reducing blood flow into the aneurysm sac and causing the blood to clot.
• Other endovascular treatments. Certain aneurysms can be treated with endovascular embolization that uses newer technology such as stent-assisted or balloon-assisted coiling or devices that divert blood flow.

Endovascular procedures sometimes need to be performed again. You'll have regular follow-up appointments with your doctor to watch for any changes. You may also need physical, occupational and speech therapy.