Detection Methods

An aneurysm is often diagnosed using a variety of imaging equipment. Whether someone was brought to the hospital unconscious from a rupture or is seeking treatment for symptoms of an unruptured aneurysm, similar detection methods are used to pinpoint the location, size, type, and any other characteristics of the aneurysm that will help the doctors make the best decisions about how to move forward. In fewer than 10% of patients, an aneurysm is detected by chance as an incidental finding or, in the case of bigger aneurysms, due to symptoms arising from compression of nearby brain structures.

CT Scan (Computed Tomography)

This scan takes a picture of your brain. It is a fast and painless test, which requires you to lie on your back, very still, while you are pushed into a large, tubular machine that creates the images. This test shows whether any blood has leaked around or into the brain.

CTA (Computed Tomographic Angiography)

In some cases, doctors may choose to do a CT angiography. This test combines a regular CT scan with a contrast dye injected into a vein. Once the dye is injected into a vein, it travels to the brain arteries, and images are created using a CT scan. These images are more enhanced, because it will show exactly how fluid (blood or dye) is flowing into your brain arteries, alerting doctors to a potential aneurysm or rupture.

MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)

An MRIMRI
Short for magnetic resonance imaging. This is a special radiologic test that allows for excellent imaging of the brain. Paradoxically, MRI does not show up fresh blood as well as CT, so if bleeding from an aneurysm is suspected, CT is a better test. is a safe, painless diagnostic scan that examines various areas of your body, in this case, your head. Through the use of a large doughnut-shaped magnet and a computer, magnetic signals are seen through a computer as radio waves. The computer is able to transform these radio waves into images. An MRI helps locate the aneurysm.

MRA (Magnetic Resonance Angiography)

This scan combines a regular MRIMRI
Short for magnetic resonance imaging. This is a special radiologic test that allows for excellent imaging of the brain. Paradoxically, MRI does not show up fresh blood as well as CT, so if bleeding from an aneurysm is suspected, CT is a better test. with the contrast dye, which is injected into a major vein. Like the CTA, this dye travels to the brain arteries, and images are created using an MRI. This creates a more enhanced image.

AngiogramAngiogram
The diagnostic radiology study performed to search for an aneurysm or vascular malformation. The radiologist passes a catheter up from an artery in the groin to the arteries in the neck; he or she then injects dye into the carotid and vertebral arteries while multiple x-rays are taken of the arteries in the brain. (Arteriogram)

This test allows doctors to see the size, shape, and location of the aneurysm, as well as reveal any bleeding or vasospasmVasospasm
Generally, from four to fourteen days after an aneurysm ruptures, the blood vessels at the base of the brain may develop spasm or narrowing. If severe, this can result in stroke.. A small incision is made on one side, or both sides, of your groin after it is locally numbed and prepped. Then, a thin tube (catheterCatheter
A hollow flexible tube for insertion into a body cavity, duct, or vessel to allow the passage of fluids or distend a passageway. Used in the endovascular treatment of cerebral aneurysms.) is threaded through arteries from the groin to the neck. A contrast dye is injected and travels to the brain arteries, X-rays are taken, showing all your arteries and any abnormalities, such as an aneurysm. There are risks involved, which will be explained to you and/or your family prior to the procedure.