Safety Study of Sildenafil in Treatment of Cerebral Aneurysm Vasospasm

Rupture of a cerebral aneurysm is a serious medical condition that may result in permanent disability or even death just related to the aneurysm rupture itself. Patients who undergo successful surgical treatment of their aneurysm will rarely experience problems related to that specific aneurysm in the future. However, blood that is on the surface of the brain from the initial aneurysm rupture is very irritating to other blood vessels that it comes in contact with. When these blood vessels become irritated, they spasm and become narrower. This narrowing restricts blood flow through the vessel, and if severe can result in a stroke that is caused by inadequate blood flow through the vessel. Depending on location and severity, this condition of vessel spasm (cerebral vasospasm) may result in permanent disability or death. Treatment to prevent cerebral vasospasm decreases the risk of stroke. This research is trying to see if a medication that is FDA approved for the treatment of lung disease and sexual dysfunction can be used to prevent and/or treat cerebral vasospasm.