What is a Brain Aneurysm?
A brain aneurysm is a weak or thin spot on a blood vessel in the brain that balloons or bulges out and fills with blood. Aneurysms can vary in size; the smallest being the size of a pinhead and the largest equal to the size of an egg. It is not uncommon for people to have more than one aneurysm. Brain aneurysms can leak or rupture, causing bleeding into the brain (hemorrhagic stroke). This type of stroke is life-threatening and requires immediate medical treatment.

What Causes a Brain Aneurysm?
Brain aneurysms can have many causes, but the exact cause of an aneurysm is often unknown. The following are some of the possible causes:

• Aging: As a person gets older, the walls of their blood vessels become weaker, which can increase the risk of an aneurysm.
• Family history: If you have a family history of brain aneurysms, there’s a higher chance of you having one, too.
• High blood pressure: High blood pressure can put stress on the blood vessels of the brain, leading to the possibility of an aneurysm.
• Injury or trauma to the head: If a person experiences a head injury or trauma, the higher-than-normal pressure in the brain caused by the injury can increase the likelihood of an aneurysm.
• Genetic disorders: Certain genetic conditions, such as polycystic kidney disease, can increase a person’s risk for an aneurysm.
• Brain infections: Infections of the brain, such as meningitis, can cause a brain aneurysm.

Risk Factors for Brain Aneurysms
While there are some conditions or factors that can increase a person’s risk for a brain aneurysm, it is important to note that most aneurysms are not preventable. However, the following are some factors and conditions that can increase a person’s risk for an aneurysm:
• Smoking: Smoking has been linked to an increased risk of a brain aneurysm.
• Age: As mentioned above, risk increases with age.
• Gender: Women are more likely to have a brain aneurysm than men.
• Race: African Americans are more likely to have a brain aneurysm than Caucasians.
• Certain medical conditions: People with certain medical conditions, such as chronic kidney disease or diabetes, are at a higher risk for aneurysm.

Conclusion
It is important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of a brain aneurysm. Symptoms are often different depending on the size and location of the aneurysm, so it is important to be aware of any changes in your health. If you suspect that you or a loved one may have a brain aneurysm, it is important to seek medical attention right away.