Brain Aneurysm- Risks, Causes and Complications

A brain aneurysm is a bulging or ballooning localized blood vessel in the brain that looks very similar to, say, a peach or pear hanging from a tree branch. When an aneurysm become dangerous or deadly, it leaks or ruptures which causes bleeding into the brain. This is also known as a hemorrhagic stroke. Most often, a brain aneurysm occurs between the brain and thin tissues covering the brain which is called a subarachnoid hemorrhage.

Although ruptured aneurysms require immediate medical attention, most aneurysms don't rupture or cause symptoms or health problems. Aneurysms that don't rupture, but leak small amounts of blood are known as sentinel bleeding which cases sudden severe headaches and pain.

Many common symptoms of a ruptured brain aneurysm are listed below.

Sudden extreme or severe headache and acute pain
Vomiting or nausea
Stiff neck
Blurred or double vision
Seizures
Drooping eyelids
Confusion
Lack or loss of consciousness

A small unruptured aneurysm may cause little to no signs or symptoms although a large aneurysm may cause symptoms that are to be noted.

Pain behind or above an eye
Dilation in one or both pupils
Double or blurred vision
Weakness or numbness on one side of the face
Drooping eyelids

The cause of a brain aneurysm occurs most often with a branching off of arterial vessels in the brain where they are weakest. Degeneration or thinning of the arterial walls are also a cause. They can occur most anywhere in the brain although they are most likely to appear at the base of the brain.

Some of the risk factors and complications that lead to brain aneurysms are listed below.

Smoking
Older age
Hypertension, also known as high blood pressure
Hardening of the arteries which is also known as arteriosclerosis
Family history of aneurysms especially direct relations such as parents
usage of Cocaine and other drugs
High alcohol use and consumption
Head injuries
Lower Estrogen levels

Birth defects can also lead to the development and rupture of brain aneurysms. Listed below are a two common birth defects that lead to brain aneurysms.

Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome which is an inherited connective tissue disorder that weakens the blood vessels
An inherited disorder known as Polycystic Kidney Disease that creates fluid filled sacs in the kidneys which increases blood pressure

There are several different tests and screenings used to determine whether or not a patient has experienced a ruptured brain aneurysm so it is important to immediately seek medical attention if you suspect there may be a ruptured aneurysm.