Aneurysm – Causes and Symptoms of Aneurysm

Published May 19, 2010

An aneurysm (or aneurism) is a localized, blood-filled dilation (balloon-like bulge) of a blood vessel caused by disease or weakening of the vessel wall. Aneurysms most commonly occur in arteries at the base of the brain (the circle of Willis) and in the aorta (the main artery coming out of the heart), a so-called aortic aneurysm. The bulge in a blood vessel can burst and lead to death at any time. The larger an aneurysm becomes, the more likely it is to burst.

Aneurysms also can happen in arteries in the brain, heart and other parts of the body. If an aneurysm in the brain bursts, it causes a stroke. An aneurysm is a bulge or “ballooning” in the wall of an artery. Arteries are blood vessels that carry oxygen-rich blood from the heart to other parts of the body. If an aneurysm grows large, it can burst and cause dangerous bleeding or even death.

Most aneurysms occur in the aorta. The aorta is the main artery that carries blood from the heart to the rest of the body. The aorta comes out from the left ventricle (VEN-trih-kul) of the heart and travels through the chest and abdomen. An aneurysm that occurs in the aorta in the chest is called a thoracic (tho-RAS-ik) aortic aneurysm. An aneurysm that occurs in the aorta in the abdomen is called an abdominal aortic aneurysm.

Causes of Aneurysm

Most brain aneurysms develop as a result of the wear and tear on arteries that comes with aging. Aneurysms often form at forks or branches in arteries because those sections of the vessel are weaker. Rarely, a blow to your head or an infection in an artery can weaken an artery wall and result in an aneurysm.

Aneurysms that result from an infection in the arterial wall are called mycotic aneurysms. Cancer-related aneurysms are often associated with primary or metastatic tumors of the head and neck. Drug abuse, particularly the habitual use of cocaine, can inflame blood vessels and lead to the development of brain aneurysms.

Aneurysms can be congenital (people can be born with the defect) or they can occur as a result of aging or disease. The most common disease associated with aneurysms is atherosclerotic disease.

A group of 8 genetic disorders of the nervous system that primarily affect the development and growth of nerve cell tissues (These disorders cause tumors to grow on nerves and produce other abnormalities such as skin changes and bone deformities.)

Symptoms of Aneurysm

Symptoms will depend upon the location of the aneurysm. Common sites include the abdominal aortic artery, the intracranial muscles (supplying blood to the brain), and the aorta (supplying blood to the chest area).

Some individuals may have seizures. Individuals may lose consciousness briefly or go into prolonged coma. People experiencing this âworst headache,â especially when it is combined with any other symptoms, should seek immediate medical attention.

The signs and symptoms of an aneurysm depend on its type, location, and whether it has ruptured or is interfering with other structures in the body. Aneurysms can develop and grow for years without causing any signs or symptoms. It is often not until an aneurysm ruptures or grows large enough to press on nearby parts of the body or block blood flow that it produces any signs or symptoms.

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Aneurysm – Causes and Symptoms of Aneurysm

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