What is an aneurysm?
What is an Aneurysm?
Understanding Brain Aneurysms: What You Need to Know
Brain aneurysms are a serious medical condition, but understanding them is the first step toward prevention, early detection, and better outcomes. An estimated 3–5% of people worldwide have a brain aneurysm, many without even knowing it. In the United States, about 6.5 million people—roughly 1 in 50—are living with an unruptured aneurysm. While most of these never cause symptoms, around 30,000 people each year experience a rupture. This can lead to bleeding in the brain known as a subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), a type of stroke that can be life-threatening.
Sadly, ruptured aneurysms are often very serious. About 40% of people who suffer a rupture die within the first 24 hours, and roughly half of the survivors may face lasting neurological challenges. Women tend to be more affected than men, with a ratio of about 3 to 2. Certain factors increase the risk of an aneurysm rupturing, including high blood pressure, smoking, and a family history of aneurysms.
Despite how serious they can be, brain aneurysms are treatable—especially when detected early. That’s why awareness, regular checkups, and lifestyle choices play such a big role in protecting your brain health.
What Is a Brain Aneurysm?
A brain aneurysm (also called a cerebral or intracranial aneurysm) is a weak spot in the wall of a blood vessel in the brain that bulges outward, kind of like a balloon or a berry on a stem. Over time, the pressure of blood flowing through the vessel can cause the bulge to grow and, in some cases, rupture—leading to bleeding in or around the brain.
However, not all aneurysms burst. Many are discovered incidentally when someone has a scan for another reason, and some remain stable for years without causing any symptoms. Still, it's important to know the signs and understand the risks.
What Causes Brain Aneurysms?
Aneurysms often form because of weakening in the artery walls. This can happen for a number of reasons:
- High blood pressure (a major contributor)
- Atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries)
- Head injury or trauma
- Genetic factors or inherited conditions
- Abnormal blood flow at points where arteries branch
- Congenital defects (issues present from birth)
Some people may be more prone to aneurysms because of conditions like polycystic kidney disease, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, or a family history of aneurysms.
Types of Brain Aneurysms
There are three main types of brain aneurysms, and understanding them can help clarify what doctors may see on imaging tests:
Saccular Aneurysms (Berry Aneurysms)
These are the most common type. They look like a round pouch or "berry" with a narrow stem and are usually found where arteries branch off near the base of the brain.
Fusiform Aneurysms
These involve a wider, more uniform bulging of the artery on all sides. They don’t have a stem and can occur anywhere in the brain, especially in the larger arteries.
Dissecting Aneurysms
These happen when a small tear forms in the inner lining of an artery, allowing blood to push between layers of the vessel wall. This can lead to bulging and sometimes reduced blood flow to parts of the brain.
Why This Matters
While hearing about brain aneurysms can feel overwhelming, knowledge truly is power. Many aneurysms can be monitored or treated before they cause harm. And if you or a loved one is at higher risk—due to family history, lifestyle factors, or other conditions—talking to your doctor about screening options may help catch an aneurysm early, when treatment is safer and more effective.
Staying informed, keeping blood pressure in check, avoiding smoking, and living a heart-healthy lifestyle are powerful ways to protect not just your heart, but your brain as well.
Image of a brain aneurysm
symptoms
Symptoms of an Aneurysm
Recognizing the Signs of a Brain Aneurysm: What You Need to Know
A brain aneurysm, also known as a cerebral aneurysm, is a bulging or ballooning area in the wall of a brain artery. Many aneurysms go unnoticed and cause no symptoms. However, if an aneurysm leaks or ruptures, it can lead to a life-threatening hemorrhagic stroke, and recognizing the warning signs becomes absolutely critical.
For individuals new to this condition, it can feel overwhelming—but understanding the symptoms can help you act quickly in an emergency. Here are 10 key symptoms to be aware of, especially in the case of a ruptured aneurysm:
Top 10 Symptoms of a Brain Aneurysm
Sudden, Severe Headache
Often described as "the worst headache of my life," this pain is typically abrupt and intense. It may strike without warning and feel unlike any previous headache.
Nausea and Vomiting
These symptoms often accompany the severe headache and are due to increased pressure within the skull.
Stiff Neck
A tight, sore neck may result from irritation of the meninges—the protective coverings of the brain and spinal cord—especially when blood leaks into the space around the brain.
Blurred or Double Vision
Changes in eyesight can occur when the aneurysm presses on nerves near the eyes. Vision might appear fuzzy or doubled, or you may see spots or shadows.
Sensitivity to Light (Photophobia)
Bright light can become painful or intolerable, often in combination with headache and eye strain.
Seizures
Although not always present, seizures can occur if the aneurysm irritates surrounding brain tissue. This may be especially alarming in someone without a history of epilepsy.
Loss of Consciousness or Fainting
Some people may briefly pass out or lose awareness—this can happen at the moment of rupture or shortly afterward.
Confusion or Trouble Thinking Clearly
An altered mental state—such as disorientation, trouble speaking, or difficulty understanding what’s happening—can be caused by swelling, pressure, or bleeding in the brain.
Drooping Eyelid or Dilated Pupil
If an aneurysm presses on the cranial nerves that control eye movement, one eyelid may droop, or the pupil may look larger on one side.
Sudden Weakness or Numbness, Especially on One Side
You might notice weakness or tingling in the face, arm, or leg—often just on one side of the body. This reflects damage or pressure affecting specific areas of the brain.
What to Do If You Notice These Symptoms
If you or someone around you experiences one or more of these symptoms—especially a sudden, intense headache with any neurological changes—call emergency services immediately. Time is absolutely critical when it comes to brain aneurysms, particularly if rupture is suspected.
Even if you're unsure whether it's an aneurysm, it's always better to seek urgent care and rule it out than to wait and risk serious complications.
A Word of Reassurance
Learning about brain aneurysms can be frightening, but knowledge is empowering. With early detection and rapid medical care, many people recover and go on to lead full, meaningful lives. If you or a loved one has recently been diagnosed with a brain aneurysm or you're navigating recovery, know that you’re not alone—there are supportive medical teams and resources ready to help.
flow chart of the aneurysm process
prevention
Aneurysm Prevention
Expert-Backed Strategies to Lower Your Risk of a Brain Aneurysm
Brain aneurysms, though often silent, can pose serious health risks when they rupture. While not all aneurysms can be prevented, decades of neurological and vascular research confirm that modifying certain risk factors can significantly reduce your likelihood of developing one. Below are ten evidence-supported strategies—recommended by leading neurologists, neurosurgeons, and vascular specialists—to help protect your cerebrovascular health.
1. Maintain Optimal Blood Pressure Levels
Why it matters: Hypertension is the most well-established modifiable risk factor for intracranial aneurysms and their rupture. Elevated blood pressure causes chronic stress on arterial walls, accelerating aneurysmal formation and increasing rupture risk.
Action: Monitor your blood pressure regularly, adhere to antihypertensive medications if prescribed, and adopt a heart-healthy lifestyle with reduced sodium intake, regular physical activity, and stress management.
2. Eliminate Tobacco Use
Why it matters: Smoking is a direct contributor to aneurysm formation and rupture. Nicotine and other toxic compounds in tobacco weaken arterial walls and promote inflammation and oxidative stress in the cerebrovascular system.
Action: Smoking cessation is one of the most impactful steps you can take. Evidence shows that even long-term smokers reduce their aneurysm risk significantly after quitting.
3. Adopt a Vascular-Protective Diet
Why it matters: Diets high in saturated fats, sugars, and sodium can contribute to hypertension, high cholesterol, and systemic inflammation—key contributors to vascular damage and aneurysm formation.
Action: Embrace a Mediterranean-style diet rich in leafy greens, berries, legumes, fish, whole grains, and healthy fats. Minimize processed foods, trans fats, and added sugars.
4. Engage in Regular Aerobic Exercise
Why it matters: Physical activity reduces systolic blood pressure, improves endothelial function, and supports metabolic health—all of which contribute to lowering aneurysm risk.
Action: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity weekly (e.g., brisk walking, swimming, or cycling), in accordance with American Heart Association and World Health Organization guidelines.
5. Limit Alcohol Consumption
Why it matters: Chronic or excessive alcohol use is associated with hypertension and cerebrovascular instability. Binge drinking episodes, in particular, have been linked to an increased risk of aneurysm rupture.
Action: Follow standard medical guidelines—limit intake to no more than one drink per day for women and two for men. Abstain altogether if you have uncontrolled hypertension or a family history of aneurysms.
6. Manage Psychological Stress Responsibly
Why it matters: Chronic stress elevates cortisol and adrenaline, which can contribute to sustained increases in blood pressure and vascular strain.
Action: Integrate evidence-based stress-reduction techniques such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness meditation, deep breathing exercises, or yoga—all of which have shown measurable effects on cardiovascular markers.
7. Control Lipid Levels
Why it matters: Elevated cholesterol contributes to atherosclerotic changes in blood vessels, increasing the risk of aneurysm formation and other vascular pathologies.
Action: Monitor lipid panels routinely. If you have hyperlipidemia, dietary modifications and statin therapy—as advised by your healthcare provider—are effective in reducing vascular risk.
8. Avoid Illicit Drugs and Vasoactive Substances
Why it matters: Cocaine, amphetamines, and other stimulants cause sudden surges in blood pressure, vascular inflammation, and endothelial damage—dramatically raising the risk of aneurysm rupture.
Action: Complete abstention is recommended. Seek support through substance use treatment programs if needed—intervention can be life-saving.
9. Undergo Regular Health Screenings
Why it matters: Many risk factors for aneurysms (e.g., hypertension, high cholesterol, diabetes) develop silently over time. Routine screenings enable early detection and treatment, which is critical for prevention.
Action: Schedule annual wellness exams and follow up on blood pressure, glucose, and lipid levels. Early intervention is proven to reduce long-term cerebrovascular risk.
10. Understand Your Genetic Risk
Why it matters: A familial history of aneurysms, especially in first-degree relatives, increases your likelihood of developing one. Genetic factors may predispose individuals to weakened vessel walls or abnormal vascular structures.
Action: If you have a family history of brain aneurysms or hemorrhagic stroke, speak to a neurologist or vascular specialist. Advanced imaging (e.g., MR angiography) may be recommended as a preventive measure.
Clinical Perspective: Prevention is Powerful
While not every aneurysm can be predicted or prevented, comprehensive risk management can dramatically reduce your odds of developing a life-threatening rupture. These strategies are rooted in robust clinical evidence and endorsed by organizations such as the American Heart Association, American Stroke Association, and World Federation of Neurology.
For individuals with existing risk factors—or simply a desire to safeguard brain health—the steps above are not just recommendations; they are vital, research-backed tools in the fight against cerebrovascular disease.
Treatment
Aneurysm Treatment Methods
Understanding Brain Aneurysm Treatments: A Guide for Patients and Families
Learning that you or someone you love has a brain aneurysm can be incredibly unsettling. But there’s good news—many aneurysms can be safely managed or treated with modern techniques, and care plans are carefully personalized based on the individual’s health and the specific characteristics of the aneurysm. Here's a helpful guide to the top 10 treatment strategies doctors may recommend.
1. Observation and Monitoring
For small aneurysms that aren’t causing symptoms, especially in individuals with few risk factors, a careful “watch and wait” approach might be the safest path. Doctors will monitor the aneurysm over time using imaging tests such as MRI or CT scans, making sure any changes in size or shape are caught early.
2. Medications to Manage Risk Factors
While medications don’t treat the aneurysm itself, they are important for managing conditions that increase rupture risk. Blood pressure medications reduce stress on artery walls, pain relievers can help with discomfort, and anti-seizure medications may be used in certain cases. These medications are part of a broader effort to keep your vascular system healthy.
3. Endovascular Coiling
This minimally invasive procedure uses a tiny catheter inserted through a blood vessel—usually from the groin—to reach the aneurysm. Once in place, small platinum coils are released into the aneurysm, encouraging it to clot off and block blood flow. It's a common and effective treatment with a shorter recovery time than open surgery.
4. Surgical Clipping
Clipping is a well-established surgical method where a neurosurgeon places a small metal clip at the base of the aneurysm. This stops blood from flowing into it, essentially sealing it off. While it requires opening the skull, it offers a durable, long-term solution for many patients.
5. Flow Diversion
A flow diverter is a small, stent-like device placed inside the artery to reroute blood away from the aneurysm. Over time, this allows the aneurysm to shrink and the vessel wall to heal. It’s often used for larger or more complex aneurysms that can’t be easily treated with coils or clips.
6. Parent Artery Occlusion
In situations where treating the aneurysm directly isn’t safe or possible, doctors may block the artery that feeds it. Before doing so, they confirm that the brain has other pathways for blood flow to compensate. This approach is less common but can be lifesaving in the right scenarios.
7. Pipeline Embolization Device (PED)
This is a specialized type of flow diverter, particularly useful for treating large or wide-necked aneurysms. It helps redirect blood flow away from the aneurysm and encourages natural healing over time. Like other endovascular treatments, it’s delivered through a catheter without open surgery.
8. Stereotactic Radiosurgery
Although not typically a first-line treatment for aneurysms, focused radiation may be used in select cases, especially when open surgery or endovascular procedures aren't feasible. It’s more commonly used for certain vascular abnormalities like AVMs but may be considered in complex aneurysm cases.
9. Liquid Embolic Agents
Materials like Onyx can be delivered into the aneurysm through a microcatheter, where they solidify and seal off the blood flow. These agents are especially helpful when used alongside other techniques, such as coiling, for added reinforcement.
10. Lifestyle Modifications
While not a direct treatment, healthy lifestyle choices are key to preventing aneurysm growth or rupture. Your doctor may recommend stopping smoking, managing high blood pressure, reducing alcohol intake, maintaining a healthy weight, and engaging in regular physical activity. These changes support both brain and heart health.
A Personalized, Team-Based Approach
Every aneurysm is different, and so is every patient. That’s why treatment often involves a collaborative team—including neurologists, neurosurgeons, interventional radiologists, and other specialists—working together to create the safest, most effective plan for you.
With today’s medical advancements, many people go on to live healthy, full lives after aneurysm treatment or even without needing immediate intervention. If you’ve just received a diagnosis, it’s okay to have questions. Your care team is there to help you understand your options, ease your concerns, and guide you every step of the way.
top 20 medical terms to know
Medical Terms
Aneurysm Glossary: 20 Essential Medical Terms in Cerebrovascular Care
Understanding stroke terminology is vital for accurate diagnosis, treatment planning, and patient education.
Being diagnosed with a brain aneurysm—or caring for someone who has—can feel confusing, especially when you're suddenly faced with a lot of unfamiliar medical language. This glossary was created to help you feel more confident and informed as you navigate discussions with your healthcare team. Each term is explained in clear, compassionate language designed for patients, families, and anyone new to the condition. Click here for a downloadable version.
1. Aneurysm
A weak or bulging spot in the wall of a blood vessel. In the brain, this bulge can fill with blood and sometimes burst, causing serious bleeding.
2. Cerebral Aneurysm
Another name for a brain aneurysm. “Cerebral” simply means “related to the brain.”
3. Rupture
When an aneurysm bursts open, causing bleeding in or around the brain. This is a medical emergency.
4. Subarachnoid Hemorrhage (SAH)
Bleeding into the space between the brain and the tissues that cover it. This often happens when a brain aneurysm ruptures.
5. Hemorrhagic Stroke
A type of stroke caused by bleeding in the brain, often linked to a ruptured aneurysm.
6. Ischemic Stroke
A stroke caused by a blockage (like a blood clot) that cuts off blood flow to part of the brain. It’s different from a hemorrhagic stroke.
7. Endovascular Coiling
A minimally invasive treatment where small coils are placed inside the aneurysm to block blood flow and reduce the chance of rupture.
8. Surgical Clipping
A procedure where a neurosurgeon places a small metal clip at the base of the aneurysm to stop blood from entering it.
9. Flow Diverter
A tiny mesh device placed inside an artery to guide blood past the aneurysm, helping it shrink and heal.
10. Pipeline Embolization Device (PED)
A specific kind of flow diverter designed for larger or more complex aneurysms. It's inserted through a blood vessel without opening the skull.
11. CT Scan (Computed Tomography)
A quick imaging test that uses X-rays to create detailed pictures of the brain. It’s often used to detect bleeding or aneurysms.
12. MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)
An imaging test that uses magnetic fields (not X-rays) to take clear pictures of the brain and blood vessels.
13. MRA (Magnetic Resonance Angiography)
A special type of MRI that focuses on blood vessels, often used to look for unruptured aneurysms.
14. Angiogram (Cerebral Angiography)
A test where contrast dye is injected into the blood vessels and X-rays are taken to closely examine the brain’s blood flow and any aneurysms.
15. Catheter
A thin, flexible tube used in many procedures to deliver tools, dye, or medication through the blood vessels to the brain.
16. Neurosurgeon
A doctor who specializes in brain and nervous system surgery. They perform operations like surgical clipping of aneurysms.
17. Interventional Neuroradiologist
A doctor trained to treat brain and spine conditions using image-guided techniques without traditional surgery. They often perform coiling and flow diversion.
18. Risk Factors
Traits or habits that increase your chances of developing or rupturing an aneurysm—such as smoking, high blood pressure, family history, or certain medical conditions.
19. Monitoring/Surveillance
When a small, unruptured aneurysm isn’t treated right away, doctors may recommend regular imaging tests to keep watch over time.
20. Craniotomy
A surgical procedure where a section of the skull is temporarily removed so doctors can access and treat part of the brain.
You're Not Alone
Understanding these terms can make it easier to take an active role in your care or support someone you love. If anything feels confusing or overwhelming, don’t hesitate to ask your doctor to walk you through it again—your comfort and clarity matter.
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