Factors leading to a brain aneurysm's bursting.
Brain aneurysms, weak spots on the arteries in the brain that can fill with blood and potentially burst, are a serious health concern. Many people with smaller aneurysms go undiagnosed because they do not show any symptoms [1]. However, when a brain aneurysm ruptures, it can lead to several potentially serious complications, including subarachnoid hemorrhage [2].
A ruptured brain aneurysm can cause a sudden, intense headache, seizures, sensitivity to light, nausea, vomiting, double vision, stiff neck, cardiac arrest, and loss of consciousness [2]. If a person experiences these symptoms, they should seek medical attention immediately. Other symptoms may include vision changes and sensitivity to sound [3].
Brain aneurysms can occur due to a weakened or thinned part of the artery, often at branch points [4]. They may be present since birth but typically develop in people with certain risk factors such as being female, between the ages of 30-60, having genetic connective tissue disorders, polycystic kidney disease, drug misuse, untreated high blood pressure, smoking cigarettes, and a family history of aneurysms and ruptures [5].
Common risk factors for a ruptured brain aneurysm include both genetic conditions and lifestyle factors. Genetic conditions that increase risk are a family history of brain aneurysms, especially in first-degree relatives, polycystic kidney disease (PKD), connective tissue disorders such as Ehlers-Danlos syndrome and Marfan syndrome, arteriovenous malformations (AVMs), and coarctation of the aorta [1][2][3][4].
Lifestyle and environmental risk factors include smoking, a major contributor to both aneurysm formation and rupture due to vascular damage, high blood pressure (hypertension), heavy alcohol consumption, particularly binge drinking, severe head trauma (rare cause), age over 40 or 50–60 years, and female gender [1][2][4][5]. Other contributing factors mentioned are previous aneurysm, race, and hardening of arterial walls (atherosclerosis) [3][4].
A person with a known brain aneurysm can take steps to help reduce the risk of it bursting, such as stopping smoking, carefully controlling blood pressure, and avoiding the use of recreational drugs [6]. The diagnosis of a ruptured brain aneurysm typically involves imaging tests such as CT or MRI scans [7].
If the aneurysm has ruptured, a doctor may recommend antiseizure drugs, placement of a shunt, calcium channel-blocking drugs, and rehabilitative therapy [8]. Treatments for nonruptured brain aneurysms may include surgical correction or insertion of devices to help prevent swelling or bursting [9].
It is also highly advisable to consult a doctor if individuals experience other symptoms such as vision changes and seizures, even if a brain aneurysm has not been diagnosed [3]. A person should work with a doctor or other specialists to determine their individual prognosis following a brain aneurysm rupture [10].
In summary, the most significant risk factors for ruptured brain aneurysms encompass a combination of genetic predispositions (family history, genetic disorders) and modifiable lifestyle factors (smoking, high blood pressure, alcohol use), along with demographic factors such as age and gender [1][2][3][4][5].
References:
[1] Mayo Clinic. (2021). Brain aneurysm. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/brain-aneurysm/symptoms-causes/syc-20371322
[2] American Stroke Association. (2021). Brain aneurysm. https://www.strokeassociation.org/en/about-stroke/types-of-stroke/brain-aneurysm
[3] Johns Hopkins Medicine. (2021). Brain aneurysm. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/brain-aneurysm
[4] Cleveland Clinic. (2021). Brain aneurysm. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/16612-brain-aneurysm
[5] National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. (2021). Brain aneurysm. https://www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/All-Disorders/Brain-Aneurysm-Information-Page
[6] American Heart Association. (2021). Brain aneurysm. https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/stroke/what-is-a-brain-aneurysm
[7] National Health Service (UK). (2021). Brain aneurysm. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/brain-aneurysm/
[8] American Association of Neurological Surgeons. (2021). Brain aneurysm. https://www.aans.org/Patients/Neuroscience-Library/Brain-Aneurysm
[9] University of California, San Francisco. (2021). Brain aneurysm. https://www.ucsfhealth.org/conditions/brain-aneurysm
[10] American Academy of Neurology. (2021). Brain aneurysm. https://www.aan.com/patients/disease-information/brain-aneurysm
The science of medical-conditions like brain aneurysms often involves the study of neurological disorders, as a ruptured brain aneurysm can lead to various complications and symptoms such as cardiovascular events like cardiac arrest. To reduce the risk of a brain aneurysm bursting, individuals with these medical-conditions should pay attention to managing health-and-wellness factors like controlling blood pressure and avoiding smoking and drug use.
