Not every time do doctors perform treatment procedures. If the unruptured aneurysm is small and no associated factors suggest its rupture, doctors leave it as it is and monitor any growth from time to time.
Further, besides the risk of rupture, doctors consider other aspects, including the patient’s age, health condition, medical history, size of the aneurysm, risk of treatment, etc., before advising on the treatment procedures.
Following are some major treatment processes for ruptured or unruptured aneurysms:
1. Microvascular Clipping
This is an open-brain surgical process in which the surgeons use clothespin-like clips to block blood flow into the aneurysm. At first, a doctor detects the location of the bulge and then inserts a small metal clip inside and attaches it to the aneurysm’s neck. It is a highly effective treatment process and can potentially stop the aneurysm's recurrence.
2. Endovascular Treatment
Following are two different kinds of endovascular treatment processes for aneurysms:
- Platinum Coil Embolization: In this process, the surgeon will insert a catheter (a long and hollow plastic tube) inside an artery and gradually take it to the aneurysm. After this, they pass platinum coils (spiral wires) through that catheter. The detached platinum coils will help in blocking the blood flow inside the aneurysm.
- Flow Diversion Devices: In this treatment, doctors insert a small mesh tube or ‘stent’ inside the artery with the help of a catheter. It reduces the blood flow of an aneurysm. Doctors undergo this treatment process if the aneurysm is large, which is very difficult to control through clipping and platinum coils.
3. Rehabilitative Therapy
Patients who have witnessed subarachnoid haemorrhage may need to undergo speech, physical, and occupational therapies. It can help them regain the functionalities of their organs. This way, they will avoid the chances of permanent disability.
4. Other Treatment Procedures
To reduce symptoms and complications of the aneurysm, doctors can also go for the following treatment processes:
- Antiseizure Drugs: Doctors recommend this drug to prevent seizures if the bulge ruptures.
- Channel-Blocking Drugs: With the intake of this drug, patients can reduce the chances of stroke due to vasospasms.