Recovery and Rehabilitation after Aneurysm Coiling: What to Expect

February 3rd, 2025 by Reza J. Karimi, MD and Daniel E. Walzman, MD and Ugo Paolucci, MD and Aryan Ali, MD

Nearly all patients with brain aneurysms, also known as cerebral aneurysms, can be safely and effectively treated with the latest techniques. There are a variety of brain aneurysm treatment options that should be discussed with a health care provider. Due to the complexity of brain aneurysms, treatments should be uniquely tailored to each individual. There are several factors that will help determine how and whether to treat an aneurysm.

Treating a brain aneurysm may require a surgical procedure or endovascular treatment. For patients with unruptured aneurysms, it is best to talk to an experienced physician to discuss possible treatment options. At this time, a health care provider will be able to discuss possible risks and recommend treatments.

Aneurysm Coiling treatment for Brain Aneurysms

Endovascular coiling is a less invasive treatment that involves accessing an aneurysm by threading a small catheter into an artery and placing coils or stents into the aneurysm. The surgery is performed by a specialized neurosurgeon.

How is Aneurysm Coiling performed

The coiling procedure involves approaching the aneurysm from inside of blood vessels, so that there is no need to open the skull. Small metal coils are inserted into the aneurysm through the arteries that run from the groin to the brain. Once inserted, the coils will remain inside of the aneurysm to stop blood flow and reduce the risk of a brain bleed, or re-bleed. Aneurysm coiling is not to be confused with aneurysm clipping, a different type of procedure.

What is the success rate of brain aneurysm coiling?

While there are risks associated with coiling, the procedure is a highly-effective way to reduce the risk of an aneurysm rupturing. As with any procedure, it is important to discuss your treatment options, risks and benefits with a highly skilled team of neurosurgeons.

How Long Does It Take to Recover from Aneurysm Coiling?

Recovering from a brain aneurysm continues beyond discharge from the hospital. Typically, recovery takes approximately a week, with a gradual return to normal activities. Patients often return to work in 3 to 5 days, unless otherwise instructed. It is important to remember that each patient is unique and individual recovery time should be discussed with a physician.

Rehabilitation after Aneurysm Coiling

Following an aneurysm coiling procedure, rehabilitation is often not necessary. In select cases where rehab is needed, services may include physical therapy, occupational therapy, or speech therapy.

Aneurysm Coiling in New Jersey

For more than 30 years, the experienced physician team at New Jersey Brain and Spine has delivered highly-skilled and compassionate care to more than 40,000 patients with complex brain, spine and neurological conditions. Learn more about our neurovascular team, including Dr. Karimi and Dr. Walzman, by watching this video. Please contact us today to decide if we are the right option for your care and treatment.

“Having a physician who is an expert in all three neurovascular modalities—surgery, embolization and radiosurgery—provides more tailored therapies and improves care quality.”

– Reza J. Karimi, MD

We also offer an expert second opinion service should you wish to discuss your treatment options. For more information, or to request a second opinion, reach out to us immediately by calling 201-342-2550 or emailing us at secondopinion@NJBrainSpine.com.

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