What is the Main Cause of Aneurysm?

Brain Aneurysm Causes, Risks, and Warning Signs

The main cause of a brain aneurysm is not always known, but it involves a weakness in the wall of a blood vessel. This weakness can be present from birth or develop over time due to factors like high blood pressure and atherosclerosis, which put stress on the vessel walls.

Factors that Increase the Risk of Developing an Aneurysm

Aneurysms primarily occur due to weaknesses in the walls of blood vessels, which can arise from several factors:

• Congenital factors: Some individuals are born with inherent vulnerabilities in their cerebral arteries.
• High blood pressure: Chronic hypertension puts a strain on vessel walls, especially in those who are overweight, consume too much salt, or have a family history of high blood pressure.
• Lifestyle risks: Smoking causes gradual inflammation of blood vessels, while drinking excessive alcohol leads to high blood pressure.
• Trauma or infection: In rare cases, severe head injuries or infections can harm blood vessels, leading to the formation of an aneurysm.

Can an Aneurysm be Prevented?

While not every aneurysm can be prevented, here are several strategies you can adopt to reduce your risk:

1. Quit Smoking : Giving up smoking can greatly decrease your chances of developing an aneurysm. The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) has started its dedicated weekly tobacco cessation campaign in collaboration with the National Drug Dependence Treatment Centre to help those willing to stop smoking.
2. Manage Your Blood Pressure : For healthy blood pressure, you must keep an eye on your diet. It is necessary to reduce salt intake and consume more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Additionally, you should consider staying active. To aid this, try to get at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise each day.
3. Get Regular Health Check-ups : By monitoring your blood pressure and managing conditions like diabetes or obesity, you can significantly lower your risk of developing an aneurysm.

What Causes a Brain Aneurysm to Rupture?

Several factors that contribute to the development of a brain aneurysm can also lead to its rupture and the resulting bleeding.

Researchers have identified high blood pressure as the most common reason for an aneurysm to burst. When there is an increase in blood pressure, it causes extra pressure on the walls of blood vessels. However, the "most common reason" for a rupture at any given moment is often not identifiable. Certain situations can cause blood pressure to spike, increasing the risk of a brain aneurysm rupture:

Situations that are typically responsible for a brain aneurysm rupture include:

• Intense Emotional States: Ongoing stress or sudden, strong emotions like anger can elevate blood pressure.
• Strenuous Physical Activity: Heavy lifting, carrying, or pushing, like moving furniture or weights, can lead to significant exertion.
• Uncontrolled Hypertension: High blood pressure that is not properly managed with medication can be a serious risk factor.

How to Detect Aneurysms?

Neurologists conduct a diagnosis based on a mix of imaging techniques and clinical assessments. These include:

• CT Scans: This is typically the go-to first step for spotting signs of bleeding or stroke in the human brain.
• MRI/MRA: These examinations provide intricate 3D images of blood vessels, making them truly useful for spotting unruptured aneurysms.
• Cerebral Angiogram: While it is an invasive procedure, it is incredibly precise for mapping blood flow and pinpointing aneurysms.
• Lumbar Puncture: This test looks for blood in the cerebrospinal fluid if a rupture is suspected but not visible on a CT scan.

In addition to the above tests, cutting-edge methods like 3D-DSA (digital subtraction angiography) boast precision rates of over 94%, particularly effective for small aneurysms under 5 mm.

Are There Warning Signs of a Brain Aneurysm?

Symptoms can differ depending on whether the aneurysm has burst or not. The typical signs of a ruptured aneurysm are:

• A sudden, intense headache that many describe as "the worst headache ever"
• Nausea, vomiting, and an increased sensitivity to light
• Possible loss of consciousness or seizures.

Whereas the symptoms of an unruptured aneurysm include:

• Localised pain either behind the eye or in the skull
• Changes in vision, like double vision or drooping eyelids
• Numbness or weakness on one side of the face

Sometimes, a sentinel headache may be caused by small aneurysm leaks. This happens before a major rupture and can occur days or even weeks in advance. For such conditions, the individual must seek medical help immediately.

Taking early action is crucial when it comes to aneurysms. Making lifestyle changes, regular check-ups, and quick reaction to any symptoms can significantly enhance your chances of a positive outcome. If you notice any sudden neurological symptoms, please do not hesitate to call for emergency help right away.