Brain Aneurysm

Aneurysm is the bulging out or sac formation of a portion of an artery from where its wall has weakened. Aneurysms are of different types occurring in different parts of the body, but, one of the most common types is the Cerebral Aneurysm or Brain Aneurysm. Brain aneurysm is usually formed in the major arteries that are deeply rooted in the brain structure. It expands and forms a balloon like shape due to continuous pressure build-up of blood flow at the weakened portion of the artery.

Some of the major causes that might lead to the formation of brain aneurysm include high blood pressure, high cholesterol , smoking, a family history of brain aneurysm, a traumatic head injury, or an infection. However, some factors might be congenital and become major cause of developing aneurysm in both children and adults. These include;

• Inherited tissue disorders such as Ehlers-Danlos syndrome

• Inherited kidney disorder such as Polycystic Kidney Disease

• Another brain disorder such as cerebral arteriovenous malformation (brain AVM)

• A family history of brain aneurysm

Aneurysm may differ in size, shape and location within the brain structure. If the artery wall becomes very weak and thin, the sac expansion increases to such an extent that it leaks out blood or in worse cases, even ruptures, and releases blood into the surrounding area within the brain, leading to a disorder known as subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH). After this occurrence, you or your child needs to be operated urgently or it may lead to haemorrhagic stroke.

When to seek expert advise

Symptoms of aneurysm are similar to those of other medical ailments. But, if you or your child show any of the above symptoms, especially sudden headaches, and if you have had a history of aneurysm in your family, then you can seek consultancy from our doctors at the Mind and Brain Service Line at The Aga Khan University Hospital.​​

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