Detection and Treatment Guide Updated 2017 Detection-and-Treatment-2017 | Page 15

Ruptured Aneurysms
Once an aneurysm has bled, there is a high risk that it will bleed again,
especially within 48 to 72 hours after the first bleed. With each bleed, the
chances for recovery lessen. For this reason, ruptured aneurysms are ideally
treated as soon as possible.
However, for patients who are in a coma, have major medical problems, or
are quite elderly, treatment may worsen their condition. In these situations,
treatment is often withheld until the patient becomes more stable.
Sometimes, if also present, unruptured aneurysms are treated at the same time
as the ruptured aneurysm. However, unruptured aneurysms are not at a high
risk of bleeding right away. They may be treated at another time, following
recovery from the subarachnoid hemorrhage, or may be followed. Separating
treatments can minimize risks and complications for the patient.
For all brain aneurysm patients — whether or not their aneurysm has ruptured
— risk factors should be controlled. First-degree relatives of patients with
familial aneurysms should also control their risk factors.
• Cigarette smoking: you
should not smoke, and
you should be provided
with assistance in smoking
cessation if you are a
current cigarette smoker.
• High blood pressure:
you should know your
blood pressure, and if it
is elevated, be treated
with medications (anti-
hypertensive medications)
to reduce it.
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