Conditions We Treat
We evaluate and treat the full range of cerebrovascular disease, from aneurysms and vascular malformations to ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke. Learn more about common diagnoses, treatment options, and what recovery may involve.
Explore Our Care
Whether you are learning about a new diagnosis or comparing treatment options, these resources explain how our team approaches evaluation, planning, and recovery.
Diagnosis
Advanced CT, MRI, angiography, and related testing help define an aneurysm or vascular abnormality and guide the safest plan.
Read moreTreatment
Options include observation, microsurgical clipping, bypass, endovascular coiling, stents, and flow diversion.
Read moreMalformations
Multidisciplinary care for arteriovenous malformations, dural fistulas, carotid-cavernous fistulas, and selected carotid body tumors.
Read moreCenter
Evaluation and treatment for adults with known or suspected Moyamoya disease, including direct and indirect revascularization.
Read moreCondition
Integrated care for CCMs, including observation, seizure and stroke evaluation, genetic considerations, and surgery when appropriate.
Read moreArterial Disease
Evaluation and treatment for carotid artery disease and vertebral artery disease, including medical management and revascularization.
Read moreCondition
Diagnosis and management of atherosclerotic narrowing within the brain's arteries, a significant cause of ischemic stroke.
Read moreRecovery
Information for patients and families after aneurysm or AVM treatment, including rehabilitation and support resources.
Read moreTreatment Philosophy
Because our physicians are trained in both endovascular and open surgical techniques, treatment is matched to the patient, the anatomy, and the clinical situation rather than to a single specialty.
Common Questions
General information for patients and families. This is not medical advice; your care team can answer questions about your specific situation.
A brain aneurysm is a weak, bulging spot in the wall of an artery in the brain. Many aneurysms cause no symptoms and are found incidentally during imaging done for another reason. If an aneurysm ruptures, it can cause bleeding around the brain (a subarachnoid hemorrhage), which is a medical emergency.
No. Many small, unruptured aneurysms are monitored over time rather than treated right away. The right approach depends on the aneurysm’s size, location, and shape, your age and overall health, family history, and your own preferences. Because our physicians are trained in both endovascular and open surgical techniques, recommendations are matched to your situation rather than to a single specialty.
An incidental, unruptured aneurysm is usually not an emergency. The typical next step is a consultation to review your imaging and discuss whether monitoring or treatment makes the most sense. You are welcome to contact us to arrange an evaluation or a second opinion.
Options range from careful monitoring to minimally invasive endovascular treatment (such as coiling, stents, or flow diversion delivered through a catheter) and open microsurgery (such as clipping or bypass). Each has trade-offs in safety and durability, which your team will explain. See our brain aneurysm treatment page for more detail.
A sudden, extremely severe headache, often described as “the worst headache of my life,” can be a sign of a ruptured aneurysm, sometimes with nausea, a stiff neck, vision changes, or loss of consciousness. This is a medical emergency: call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
To arrange an evaluation or a second opinion, call 617-632-9940 or email brainaneurysm@bidmc.harvard.edu. We work with both patients and referring physicians.
Get in Touch
Our team is available to discuss options with referring physicians and patients.
