Definition

An aneurysm is an outpouching of a blood vessel wall. This can occur anywhere there are blood vessels, including in the brain. The bulging, blood-filled pocket can put pressure on parts of the brain. In addition, the blood vessel can rupture, causing bleeding in the brain. Early detection and diagnosis may help prevent severe or fatal complications in some people. Many aneurysms go unnoticed for a lifetime and cause no symptoms.

Brain Aneurysm

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Causes

Aneurysms form in areas where the artery wall becomes thin or weak. Thinning artery walls and resulting aneurysms can be caused by a number of factors. Common causes include:

• Weakness in artery wall that is present at birth
• High blood pressure
• Infection
• Trauma or injury to the brain
• Tumor
• Plaque build-up on artery walls

Risk Factors

These factors increase your chance of developing a brain aneurysm. These risk factors also increase your chance of a rupture. Older adults are more likely to develop an aneurysm than children. Females are at slightly higher risk. Tell your doctor if you have any of these risk factors:

• Genetic diseases—circulatory, connective tissue, or polycystic kidney disease
• Family history of aneurysms
• Smoking
• Heavy alcohol use
• Drug abuse
• High blood pressure
• Tumors
• Traumatic head injury
• Arteriovenous malformations

Symptoms

Symptoms may include:

• Pain behind the eye
• Numbness, sometimes on one side of the face or body
• Weakness on one side of the body or face
• Vision changes
• Drooping eyelid
• Differences between the size of the pupils
• Speech impairment

Most aneurysms do not cause symptoms until they leak or rupture. A leaking or ruptured aneurysm may cause:

• Headache
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Stiff neck
• Confusion or sleepiness
• Loss of consciousness
• Seizures

Diagnosis

You will be asked about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done. Tests may include the following:

• Brain imaging such as CT scan or MRI scan
• Catheter, or MR or CT angiography using dye contrast test to view the arteries and veins
• Lumbar puncture to test the cerebrospinal fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord

Treatment

Talk with your doctor about the best treatment plan for you. Other medical conditions, lifestyle factors, as well as the type, size, and location of the aneurysm will direct treatment. For a known aneurysm that is not leaking or ruptured, treatment options include the following:

Prevention

In many cases, there is no known way to prevent an aneurysm from forming. To help reduce your chances of a brain aneurysm or having it burst:

• Control high blood pressure.
• If you smoke, talk to your doctor about ways to quit.
• Do not use illegal drugs.
• Discuss with your doctor:
  • Benefits and risks of oral contraceptives
  • Whether it is safe to use daily aspirin or other pain medications that may thin the blood