Brain Aneurysm

Brain Aneurysm

Signs and Symptoms
Diagnosis
Treatment

Diagnosis

Because ruptured brain aneurysms are very serious and in some cases can be fatal, a quick and accurate diagnosis is essential for your recovery. Tests that are commonly used in the diagnosis of aneurysms include:

• Angiography -- This test is commonly used in diagnosing aneurysms. During this procedure, a special dye that can be seen on X-rays is injected into an artery that supplies blood to the brain. The dye follows the path of the brain's blood flow and can show any obstructions or leaks.
• Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA) -- This procedure is a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) study of the blood vessels. Using a strong magnetic field, a MRI can generate a three-dimensional image of the brain that can be used to detect, diagnose and aid the treatment of various conditions. A MRA provides detailed images of blood vessels. The procedure is painless, and the magnetic field is not known to cause tissue damage of any kind.
• Computed Tomography (CT) Scan -- With this test, X-ray beams are used to create a three-dimensional image of the brain. A CT scan can detect bleeding in the artery after the aneurysm has burst.

Reviewed by health care specialists at UCSF Medical Center.
Last updated May 8, 2007