Causes and Risk Factors for Brain Aneurysms

In many cases a brain aneurysm goes unnoticed as it is a protruding and weak area in an artery wall. The artery actually provides blood for the brain. It is possible, although more rare, for the aneurysm to rupture which causes blood to enter the skull thus causing a stroke.

Gender

• It has been shown that women's chances of developing a brain aneurysm are doubled in comparison to men. They are also two times more at risk of suffering a subarachnoid hemorrhage than men. This hemorrhage is when bleeding occurs in the space between the thin tissues that cover the brain and the brain itself.

Smoking

• Smoking causes hypertension but it also raises one's risk of having an aneurysm rupture, if an aneurysm is already present, but unnoticed. Smoking increases blood pressure which is also a cause of brain aneurysms.

Family History

• A person's chance of developing a brain aneurysm is doubled if they have a family history of brain aneurysms. If you know that there is a history of brain aneurysms in your family, it is best to consult your doctor right away to make sure you are in the clear.

Race

• Another risk factor for brain aneurysms is one's race. African Americans have double the risk of subarachnoid hemorrhages than caucasians do.

Hypertension

• People who have had or currently have hypertension, are at more risk of developing a subarachnoid hemorrhage.