What is the Main Cause of Aneurysms?

Dr. Philip Henkin

January 26, 2023

There are many different causes of aneurysms. For example, they can occur in the brain or aorta. Generally, these types of aneurysms are caused by a blockage of blood flow to the tissue. Depending on how the blockage occurs, treatment can range from simple surgery to more sophisticated options. What is the Main Cause of Aneurysms?

Aortic aneurysms

Aortic aneurysms occur when the wall of an artery becomes weakened. Various factors, including several inherited conditions, atherosclerosis, infections, and some other medical problems, cause them. In addition, certain lifestyle and medication habits can increase the risk of developing aneurysms.

If aneurysms develop, they usually do not cause any symptoms. However, they can rupture if they are large enough. Symptoms of a ruptured aneurysm include pain, nausea, and sweating. The goal of treatment is to repair the aneurysm.

Although aneurysms can develop at any age, they most often happen in adults. They are diagnosed during routine examinations. During an ultrasound, a doctor can detect a large aneurysm and its size.

Ruptured aneurysms may require surgery. A doctor will insert a mesh tube inside the aneurysm to relieve pressure. Depending on the aneurysm’s size, the tube can reinforce the aorta’s weakened section.

Both surgical and non-surgical methods can treat aortic aneurysms. Surgical treatments include a procedure called EVAR, or endovascular aneurysm repair.

Arterial aneurysms

Aneurysms, a condition that causes the aorta to bulge, may occur at any age. However, certain factors increase the risk of developing one. These include high blood pressure, smoking, and obesity. Knowing the risks can help you take steps to protect yourself.

The aorta is the largest artery in the body, which carries oxygen-rich blood from the heart. An artery has three layers: the underlying muscular layer, the inner fibrous lining, and the outer connective tissue. A weakened muscular layer or an inflamed inner lining may cause an aneurysm. If aneurysms are large enough, they can rupture, causing life-threatening bleeding. Surgical repair and endovascular techniques are used to treat and control these conditions.

Typically, aneurysms are diagnosed by X-ray. Using a dye to make blood vessels visible, the doctor can detect a narrowing or blockage in the blood vessel. A CT scan can be performed for larger aneurysms to diagnose the condition and monitor its growth more accurately.

Brain aneurysms

Brain aneurysms are a condition that occurs when the walls of the artery that carries blood to the brain become weak. They can rupture and cause severe pain or even death if left untreated. They are most common in the arteries near the base of the skull.

Some factors can increase your risk of developing an aneurysm. This includes age, gender, and other medical conditions. A family history of aneurysms may indicate a higher risk of having one. Also, your risk of developing an aneurysm increases if you have had a stroke or a traumatic head injury.

Symptoms of aneurysms include a bad headache, paralysis on the side of your face, loss of vision, or sudden weakness. If left untreated, the aneurysm can bleed, and the bleeding can cause seizures. Treatments vary depending on the individual, but sometimes surgery is required.

Most cerebral aneurysms can be diagnosed using diagnostic tests, including an angiogram, magnetic resonance angiography (MRI), and CT scans. An angiogram is a test that pinpoints an aneurysm by showing where it is located. It also shows where the vessels are narrowed.

Treatment for aneurysms

If you have an aneurysm, it is important to get treatment right away. Aneurysms can rupture and cause severe bleeding and other complications. The main goal of therapy is to prevent rupturing of the aneurysm and to destroy it before it occurs. Ruptured aneurysms are life-threatening emergencies. Treatments for aneurysms can be either surgical or non-surgical.

Surgery is a traditional method of treating aneurysms. A surgeon inserts a metal clip across the base of the aneurysm. This clip keeps the artery open and prevents it from rupturing. However, clipping an artery is not always necessary.

Another form of surgical aneurysm treatment is microsurgical aneurysm clipping. A neurosurgeon performs this procedure. He opens a small flap of bone to access the brain and clamps the aneurysm with a tiny metal clip.

Some people have aneurysms that are not visible or may not show symptoms. These aneurysms can be detected through imaging tests. Imaging tests include CT scans and ultrasounds.