Good afternoon doctors. my friend (60+ female) is being evaluated at the emergency room for an brain aneurysm what does the evaluation consist of? will she need surgery? how long and what is involved in the aneurysm recovery?

Most often, brain aneurysm is asymptomatic and it only causes symptoms when broken. The evaluation should include CT scan/MRI + vascular images. At times, selective angiogram will be done. If aneurysm bleeds, she will need craniotomy for clipping or the bleeding can be stopped percutaneously with coiling. The recovery time varies a lot, depending mainly on the location and size of that aneurysm.

Dr Machanic agreed

Since the advent of an aneurysm rupture is so devastating with an immediate mortality of 50%, it is best to intervene proactively. Size is critical, with an increased risk if an aneurysm is larger than 0.9 cm. Surgery to correct is based upon many complex factors, which should be discussed with an experienced neurosurgeon. Full postoperative recovery could take up to 12-18 months.