Cerebral aneurysms are balloon-like dilatations along normal arteries that most often develop at the base of the brain. They begin as weak spots in
the wall of a blood vessel in the brain and can gradually enlarge, creating a thin- walled, blood-filled balloon that can burst.
Many aneurysms remain undetected and produce no signs or symptoms until they rupture. Only 50 percent of people who have a ruptured aneurysm live. Of those who survive, 50 percent will live a normal life.
Dr. Spetzler is internationally recognized for his treatment of cerebrovascular disorders and has treated patients of all ages from throughout the world at Barrow. He was instrumental in the development of the cardiac stand- still, a procedure in which the patient's body is chilled and heart and blood flow stopped during surgery so the neu rosurgeon can operate on vessels in the brain without the risk of bleeding. ■
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