Cerebral Aneurysms

About

Specialities

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About

Specialities

Find Your Region

About the disease & condition

A cerebral aneurysm is a localized, abnormal weakening and outpouching of the wall of an artery in the brain, creating a sac-like or fusiform dilation. An unruptured aneurysm may be asymptomatic, while rupture leads to a subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), a life-threatening emergency.

Known Symptoms

Unruptured aneurysm: Often asymptomatic. Symptoms if large or compressing nerves: Headache, ocular palsies (e.g., third nerve palsy), visual field defects.
Ruptured aneurysm (subarachnoid hemorrhage):
“Thunderclap” headache (sudden, severe). Nausea/vomiting, photophobia, nuchal rigidity.
Altered mental status, loss of consciousness, seizures.
Red flags: Any sudden, severe headache requires immediate evaluation.

Known Causes

Etiology: Congenital or acquired weakness in the arterial wall (tunica media defect).
Risk factors: Hypertension, smoking, family history, connective tissue disorders (e.g., Ehlers-Danlos, Marfan syndrome), autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD), atherosclerosis.
Pathophysiology: Hemodynamic stress (e.g., at arterial bifurcations) causes progressive weakening and dilation of the vessel wall. Rupture occurs when wall stress exceeds tensile strength.

Care

Prevention: Control modifiable risk factors (hypertension, smoking). Screening in high-risk populations (e.g., strong family history, genetic syndromes).
Follow-up: Imaging surveillance (MRA/CTA) for treated aneurysms to detect recurrence or new aneurysms.
Long-term neurological and cognitive rehabilitation for SAH survivors. Lifelong management of vascular risk factors.

Relevant Specialities

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