Brain Aneurysm Education

The arteries in your brain are like a system of pipes that carry blood to the brain and the surrounding tissue. An aneurysm is when one or more of the arteries develop a weakness in the arterial wall, causing a bulge.

Types of Brain Aneurysms

• The saccular or "berry" aneurysm is most common; it looks like a berry hanging from a stem. Fusiform aneurysms look like the whole artery is swollen. The most rare, mycotic, results from an infection in the artery.

Statistics

• An estimated 27,000 people suffer ruptured aneurysms every year. Women seem to get aneurysms slightly more than men; people aged 30 to 60 seem to have a higher occurrence of aneurysm, although they can occur at any age.

Dangers

• A ruptured aneurysm is very serious and can result in brain damage, strokes, coma and death. Only 35 percent of people with ruptures survive past the first six months.

Congenital vs. Acquired

• Some aneurysms are present at birth (congenital) while others are acquired through injury, accident or infection. You can potentially have an aneurysm all your life and never know it.

Symptoms

• Generally, it is only after rupturing that you will see symptoms. Severe headache, vision changes, vomiting and passing out are all symptoms of a ruptured aneurysm, and you should seek immediate medical attention.