--- title: Learn | The Missy Project description: Learn about the silent threat of brain aneurysms, their symptoms, risks, and treatment options. Advocate for awareness and support research to save lives. --- [Skip to content](https://www.themissyproject.org/learn#main-content) [![The Missy Project-Primary Logo-Bright Blue300](https://www.themissyproject.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Logos%20300/The%20Missy%20Project-Primary%20Logo-Bright%20Blue300.png?width=1501&height=827&name=The%20Missy%20Project-Primary%20Logo-Bright%20Blue300.png)](https://www.themissyproject.org?hsLang=en) [About](https://www.themissyproject.org/about_us?hsLang=en) [Learn](https://www.themissyproject.org/learn) [What We Do](https://www.themissyproject.org/what-we-do?hsLang=en) [Events](https://www.themissyproject.org/event?hsLang=en) [DONATE](https://www.themissyproject.org/donate?hsLang=en) [CONTACT](https://www.themissyproject.org/contact?hsLang=en) Learn # The Silent Threat that Deserves Attention Brain aneurysms have no bias or prejudice.  They can impact people of all genders, ages, ethnicities or social status.  In many cases, the warning signs go unnoticed or are misdiagnosed. [Apply for a Free Screening](https://www.themissyproject.org/apply-for-screening?hsLang=en) [Donate to Fund Research](https://www.themissyproject.org/donate?hsLang=en) ![home\_hero\_image (7)](https://www.themissyproject.org/hubfs/Stock%20Photo/home_hero_image%20(7).png "home_hero_image (7)") A Silent Threat ## What is a Brain Aneurysm? A brain aneurysm is a bulge or ballooning in a blood vessel in the brain. A ruptured aneurysm can cause a stroke and requires immediate medical attention. [Find out more](https://www.themissyproject.org/about_us?hsLang=en) ![The Missy Project Flower Logo](https://www.themissyproject.org/hubfs/Logos%20300/The%20Missy%20Project-Icon%20Logo-Sky300.png) Aneurysms and Stroke ## When Aneurysms Rupture, Strokes Follow A ruptured brain aneurysm is often the trigger for a stroke — one of the deadliest medical emergencies. Strokes happen in two main ways: when blood flow is blocked, or when a vessel bursts and floods the brain with blood. Both are catastrophic, and both demand immediate care. ### ![Ischemic Strokes](https://www.themissyproject.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Graphics/Ischemic%20Strokes.png?width=250&height=250&name=Ischemic%20Strokes.png) ### Ischemic Stroke **Vessel Blockage** Nearly 9 in 10 strokes are ischemic. They occur when a clot stops blood from reaching part of the brain. Without oxygen and nutrients, brain cells begin dying within minutes. Fast action is the only defense. Quick recognition and emergency treatment are the only ways to limit lasting brain damage. ### ![Hemorrhagic Strokes](https://www.themissyproject.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Graphics/Hemorrhagic%20Strokes.png?width=250&height=250&name=Hemorrhagic%20Strokes.png) ### Hemorrhagic Stroke **Deadly Brain Bleeds**  Though less common, hemorrhagic strokes are far more likely to be fatal. They strike when a weakened blood vessel bursts, causing uncontrolled bleeding in or around the brain. Aneurysms and AVMs (arteriovenous malformations) are structural weaknesses that make this type of stroke possible. ## Who Is at Risk? For decades, doctors believed aneurysms mainly affected older adults. Today, diagnoses are appearing at much younger ages — even in children. Family history dramatically increases risk, and lifestyle factors can also play a role.   > 1 in 50 people has an unruptured aneurysm — and most don’t know it.   [fund more research](https://www.themissyproject.org/donate?hsLang=en) **Common Risk Factors:** Family history of brain aneurysms Smoking (8× higher risk) High blood pressure Trauma to the head ![The Missy Project Flower Logo — Bright Blue](https://www.themissyproject.org/hubfs/Logos%20300/The%20Missy%20Project-Icon%20Logo-Bright%20Blue300.png) Recognizing Symptoms ## **Warning Signs You Can’t Ignore** Determining a life-threatening emergency in a child or adult shouldn't be a guessing game. If these warning signs apply to you or your child, be certain that your primary care professional asks careful questions to determine if your child has a headache that could be a symptom of an underlying brain mass like an aneurysm. **Sudden, intense or extended headaches** **Vomiting and nausea** **Neck stiffness** **Numbness in the face** **Vision changes or drooping eyelid** **Loss of consciousness or seizures** Most aneurysms show no signs until they rupture. But when they do, the symptoms are sudden and severe. Many children and adults first report“**the worst headache of my life.**” [Apply for a Free Screening](https://www.themissyproject.org/apply-for-screening?hsLang=en) Select Clipping Endovascular Surgery Craniotomy Diagnosis & Treatment ## How Doctors Detect and Treat Aneurysms Modern imaging can detect aneurysms before they rupture. Screening may include CT scans, MRIs, MRAs, or angiograms. If diagnosed, treatment depends on age, health, and aneurysm size. - [Clipping](https://www.themissyproject.org/learn#panel-module_17590949370823-1) - [Endovascular Surgery](https://www.themissyproject.org/learn#panel-module_17590949370823-2) - [Craniotomy](https://www.themissyproject.org/learn#panel-module_17590949370823-3) # ![Clipping](https://www.themissyproject.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Graphics/Clipping.png?width=400&height=200&name=Clipping.png) ## **Clipping** Clipping is also a common surgical treatment for brain aneurysms. Microvascular clipping cuts off the blood flow to the aneurysm. Once the aneurysm is located, the neurosurgeon uses a microscope to clip the aneurysm’s neck, stopping the blood supply. The clip remains in the patient to prevent future bleeding. # ![Endovascular Surgery](https://www.themissyproject.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Graphics/Endovascular%20Surgery.png?width=400&height=200&name=Endovascular%20Surgery.png) ## **Coiling** This minimally invasive option is performed from inside the blood vessels. A thin catheter is threaded up through an artery (often starting in the leg) into the brain. Once in place, tiny platinum coils are released into the aneurysm, filling the sac and prompting blood to clot around them. This clotting seals off the aneurysm from the inside, preventing rupture. Endovascular coiling usually involves shorter hospital stays and quicker recovery compared to open surgery. # ![Craniotomy](https://www.themissyproject.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Graphics/Craniotomy.png?width=400&height=200&name=Craniotomy.png) ## **Craniotomy** In complex or severe cases, doctors may perform a craniotomy, which involves opening the skull to access the affected vessel directly. Depending on the aneurysm’s size and location, surgeons may use specialized techniques to repair or reinforce the vessel wall. While it is the most invasive option, a craniotomy can provide direct access and control in situations where clipping or coiling are not possible. ### ![Ischemic Strokes](https://www.themissyproject.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Graphics/Ischemic%20Strokes.png?width=250&height=250&name=Ischemic%20Strokes.png) ### Why Awareness Matters Despite the devastating impact, brain aneurysm disease receives far less research funding than other major conditions — just $6 million annually, compared to billions for AIDS and cancer. Without more awareness and investment, too many families remain in danger. 0 % of brain ruptured aneurysms are fatal 0 + Free MRI/MRA screenings provided 0 yrs of awareness, education, &research 0 deaths per year ![TMP-The Missy Project-Icon-Together-Full Color](https://www.themissyproject.org/hubfs/Icons/TMP-The%20Missy%20Project-Icon-Together-Full%20Color.svg "TMP-The Missy Project-Icon-Together-Full Color") ### So, what can you do? Advocate for brain scans Support organizations like The Missy Project working to promote awareness and early detection of Brain Aneurysms in children and others  Know the symptoms [Apply for Free Screening](https://www.themissyproject.org/apply-for-screening?hsLang=en) [Donate to save lives](https://www.themissyproject.org/donate?hsLang=en) [![The Missy Project-Primary Logo-Bright Blue72](https://www.themissyproject.org/hubfs/Logo%2072/The%20Missy%20Project-Primary%20Logo-Bright%20Blue72.png "The Missy Project-Primary Logo-Bright Blue72")](https://www.themissyproject.org?hsLang=en) ### About Us - [About Us](https://www.themissyproject.org/about_us) - [Learn](https://www.themissyproject.org/learn) - [What We Do](https://www.themissyproject.org/what-we-do) ### For You - [Volunteer](https://www.themissyproject.org/learn) - [Donate](https://www.themissyproject.org/donate) - [Events](https://www.themissyproject.org/event) © 2025 TheMissyProject.org | All rights reserved |  Austin, Texas [Terms of Use](https://www.themissyproject.org/terms?hsLang=en) [Privacy Policy](https://www.themissyproject.org/privacy?hsLang=en) [Disclaimer](https://www.themissyproject.org/disclaimer?hsLang=en)