What is an aneurysm?

An aneurysm is basically an abnormal bulging of an artery and they are named based on their location.


As they grow, they put pressure on surrounding organs causing severe headaches or vision problems if located inside the brain. The arterial wall becomes thin and weaker and may eventually rupture. If it ruptures in the brain, it will cause subarachnoid hemorrhage which is a type of stroke and it's life threatening.

They can occur in different areas of the body but they occur most commonly in the aorta. Besides occurring in the heart and the brain, they can occur in the intestine, neck, spleen, behind the knees and thighs, and in other parts of the body.(1)



They can result from atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries). With time, the artery walls become thick, get damaged, and lose their inner lining allowing the artery to bulge as a result of pressure from the flow of blood. Controlling blood pressure will help prevent complications down the road. They can also result from certain medical conditions such as Marfan syndrome, certain infections and from diseases that cause inflammation of the blood vessels such as vasculitis.(2)

Different shapes:(3)

  • Saccular - (most common, also called "berry") it bulges from one side of the artery and has a distinct neck at its base.
  • Fusiform - this type bulges in all directions and has no distinct neck.
  • Giant - may be saccular or fusiform and measures more than 2.5 cm in diameter. The neck is often wide and may involve more than one artery.
  • Traumatic - caused by a closed head injury or penetrating trauma to the brain.

    Symptoms of subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH):(3)

  • sudden onset of a severe headache (described as the "worst headache of my life")
  • nausea and vomiting
  • stiff neck
  • transient loss of vision or consciousness

    Cerebral aneurism
    (4)

    1. National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, “What is an aneurysm?” Available at http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/arm/arm_what.html. Accessed December 14, 2008

    2. MedHelp.org, “What causes an aneurysm?”. Available at http://www.medhelp.org/health_pages/Heart/What-Causes-an-Aneurysm/show/203?cid=78. Accessed December 14, 2008

    3. MayfieldNeuro.com, "Ruptured aneurysm." Available at http://mayfieldneuro.com/PE-AneurRupt.htm. Accessed December 14, 2008

    4. web-books.com, "aneurism." Available at http://www.web-books.com/eLibrary/Medicine/Cardiovascular/Aneurysm.htm. Accessed December 14, 2008





    Heart Attacks are the number one killer in America. Make it your goal in life to prevent a heart attack in the future. Start paying attention to your daily habits such as diet, exercise, stress, smoking, alcohol, and drugs. Practicing good habits on an ongoing basis will help you lead a future healthy life.

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