A brain aneurysm—also known as a cerebral aneurysm or intracranial aneurysm—is a bulge or ballooning in a blood vessel in the brain.
Experts believe that brain aneurysms form and grow because the blood flowing through the blood vessel exerts pressure on a weakened area of the vessel wall. This pressure can cause the brain aneurysm to increase in size.
If this blood vessel in the brain leaks or ruptures, it causes bleeding in the brain, known as a hemorrhagic stroke. Let us therefore examine what we need to know about aneurysms, what their warning signs are, and how they are treated.
What is an aneurysm?
An aneurysm occurs when the wall of an artery weakens and causes an abnormally large bulge. Arteries are blood vessels that carry blood from the heart to the rest of the body, while veins carry blood back to the heart and lungs. This bulge can rupture and cause internal bleeding. Although an aneurysm can develop anywhere in the body, it most commonly occurs in:
The aorta:
Aneurysms in the chest cavity are called thoracic aortic aneurysms. Abdominal aortic aneurysms are the most common type. In rare cases, arterial damage can affect both the chest and the abdomen.
The aorta is the largest blood vessel in the body. It begins at the left ventricle of the heart and travels down through the abdomen, where it divides into two branches leading to the legs. The aorta is a common site for arterial aneurysms.
The brain:
Aneurysms in the brain are called cerebral (brain) aneurysms. They often form in blood vessels located deep within the brain and may not cause symptoms. You may not even know that you have an aneurysm. Brain aneurysms may affect 3 to 5 percent of people during their lifetime.
Other common areas where aneurysms may occur include:
- Legs
- Spleen
- Intestines
According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, aortic aneurysms are responsible for approximately 13,000 deaths each year in the United States.
Causes
Atherosclerotic disease
Atherosclerotic disease can also lead to an aneurysm. People with atherosclerosis have a buildup of plaque in their arteries. Plaque is a hard substance made up of cholesterol, fat, and other materials that damage the arteries and restrict the free flow of blood.
High blood pressure
High blood pressure can also cause an aneurysm. The force of your blood as it travels through your blood vessels is measured by how much pressure it exerts on the walls of your arteries. If this pressure rises above normal levels, it can enlarge or weaken blood vessels.
Blood pressure in adults is considered normal at or below 120/80 mm Hg (millimeters of mercury). A significant increase can raise the risk of heart, blood vessel, and circulation problems.
Treatment
Treatment usually depends on the location and type of the aneurysm. For example, a weakened area of a blood vessel in the chest or abdomen may require a type of surgical procedure known as an endovascular stent graft.
This minimally invasive procedure may be used instead of traditional open surgery, as it involves repairing and reinforcing damaged blood vessels. The procedure also reduces the risk of infection, scarring, and other complications.
Other treatments may include medications to manage high blood pressure and high cholesterol. Certain types of beta blockers may also be prescribed to lower blood pressure. Reducing blood pressure can help prevent aneurysm rupture.
Medicine
This article was published on ELARISAblog.
