VCU Health neurosurgeons answer questions about brain aneurysms in Twitter chat

By Leha Byrd

In recognition of Brain Aneurysm Month, VCU Health neurosurgeons Dennis Rivet, M.D., and John Reavey-Cantwell, M.D., hosted a Twitter chat to address pertinent issues that affect those who have experienced or are at risk of experiencing a brain aneurysm. An aneurysm is considered a bleeding stroke, and in 2015 VCU Medical Center received the first advanced certification as a Comprehensive Stroke Center in Virginia. VCU Health treats 100-150 aneurysm patients each year.

During the chat, both physicians answered questions about the symptoms of a brain aneurysm and the types of treatment available at VCU Health. Below are their replies to some of the questions posed on Twitter.

 

What causes a brain aneurysm?

A brain aneurysm is a weakness in the wall of the blood vessel at the base of the brain, caused by high blood pressure, smoking or having a family history of aneurysms.

What are the symptoms of a brain aneurysm?

An unruptured aneurysm usually causes no symptoms. A burst aneurysm most commonly causes severe and sudden headache.

If my family member has a brain aneurysm, should I be screened?

If two or more of your family members have a brain aneurysm, screening with an MRI, starting at age 25, is recommended.

Does my aneurysm need to be treated?

Many aneurysms do not require treatment, only monitoring. This decision requires evaluation by an aneurysm specialist.

Is a particular demographic more susceptible to an aneurysm?

Aneurysms are most commonly diagnosed during middle age and in people with high blood pressure and/or smokers.

What treatment options are available for brain aneurysm patients at VCU Health?

There are two ways to treat brain aneurysms and we offer both at VCU Health. We can treat aneurysms through a catheter or an open surgical procedure. We see patients from all over the region on an elective or urgent basis.

 

The Joint Commission and the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association recognized Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center for meeting its standards for Advanced Comprehensive Stroke Center Certification. The distinction identifies hospitals that have state-of-the-art facilities and the staff and training to receive and treat patients who experience the most complex strokes. For non-emergency appointments, call 804-828-9165.