Intracranial aneurysm: Difference between revisions
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{{Infobox medical condition | |||
| name = Intracranial aneurysm | |||
| image = [[File:Cerebellar_aneurysm.png|250px]] | |||
| caption = A [[cerebellar]] aneurysm as seen on [[angiography]] | |||
| field = [[Neurosurgery]] | |||
| synonyms = [[Cerebral aneurysm]], [[brain aneurysm]] | |||
| symptoms = Often none, but can include [[headache]], [[vision problems]], [[nausea]], [[vomiting]], [[seizures]] | |||
| complications = [[Subarachnoid hemorrhage]], [[stroke]], [[brain damage]], [[death]] | |||
| onset = Typically [[adulthood]] | |||
| duration = Can be [[chronic]] or [[acute]] | |||
| causes = [[Hypertension]], [[smoking]], [[genetic factors]], [[trauma]] | |||
| risks = [[Family history]], [[hypertension]], [[smoking]], [[alcohol use disorder]] | |||
| diagnosis = [[CT scan]], [[MRI]], [[cerebral angiography]] | |||
| differential = [[Arteriovenous malformation]], [[brain tumor]], [[stroke]] | |||
| prevention = [[Blood pressure control]], [[smoking cessation]], [[healthy diet]] | |||
| treatment = [[Surgical clipping]], [[endovascular coiling]], [[flow diversion]] | |||
| prognosis = Varies; risk of rupture depends on size and location | |||
| frequency = 1-5% of the population | |||
}} | |||
[[File:Cerebral_aneurysm_NIH.jpg|Cerebral aneurysm NIH|thumb|left]] | |||
[[File:Wikipedia_intracranial_aneurysms_-_inferior_view_-_heat_map.jpg|Intracranial aneurysms - inferior view - heat map|thumb]] | |||
[[File:CT_angiography_showing_aneurysm_at_the_ACOM.jpg|CT angiography showing aneurysm at the ACOM|thumb|left]] | |||
[[File:AneurysmClips.jpg|Aneurysm clips|thumb]] | |||
An [[intracranial aneurysm]], also known as a cerebral aneurysm or brain aneurysm, is a localized dilation or ballooning of a blood vessel within the brain. These aneurysms can be life-threatening if they rupture, leading to [[subarachnoid hemorrhage]] and other complications. Early detection and management are crucial in preventing potentially devastating outcomes. | An [[intracranial aneurysm]], also known as a cerebral aneurysm or brain aneurysm, is a localized dilation or ballooning of a blood vessel within the brain. These aneurysms can be life-threatening if they rupture, leading to [[subarachnoid hemorrhage]] and other complications. Early detection and management are crucial in preventing potentially devastating outcomes. | ||
== '''Etiology''' == | == '''Etiology''' == | ||
Intracranial aneurysms can be caused by several factors, including: | Intracranial aneurysms can be caused by several factors, including: | ||
* [[Genetic predisposition]] | * [[Genetic predisposition]] | ||
* [[Connective tissue disorders]] | * [[Connective tissue disorders]] | ||
| Line 11: | Line 33: | ||
* [[Head trauma]] | * [[Head trauma]] | ||
Aneurysms may also form due to a weakening of the blood vessel wall, often at branching points. | Aneurysms may also form due to a weakening of the blood vessel wall, often at branching points. | ||
== '''Types''' == | == '''Types''' == | ||
Intracranial aneurysms can be classified into different types based on their shape and location: | Intracranial aneurysms can be classified into different types based on their shape and location: | ||
* [[Saccular aneurysm]] or berry aneurysm: This is the most common type, characterized by a sac-like outpouching of the blood vessel wall. | * [[Saccular aneurysm]] or berry aneurysm: This is the most common type, characterized by a sac-like outpouching of the blood vessel wall. | ||
* [[Fusiform aneurysm]]: This type involves a uniform dilation of the blood vessel, resulting in a spindle-shaped enlargement. | * [[Fusiform aneurysm]]: This type involves a uniform dilation of the blood vessel, resulting in a spindle-shaped enlargement. | ||
* [[Mycotic aneurysm]]: This is a rare form of aneurysm caused by an infection in the arterial wall. | * [[Mycotic aneurysm]]: This is a rare form of aneurysm caused by an infection in the arterial wall. | ||
== '''Signs and Symptoms''' == | == '''Signs and Symptoms''' == | ||
Many intracranial aneurysms are asymptomatic and discovered incidentally during imaging studies for other reasons. However, when symptoms do occur, they may include: | Many intracranial aneurysms are asymptomatic and discovered incidentally during imaging studies for other reasons. However, when symptoms do occur, they may include: | ||
* Headache | * Headache | ||
* [[Diplopia]] (double vision) | * [[Diplopia]] (double vision) | ||
| Line 30: | Line 46: | ||
* [[Seizures]] | * [[Seizures]] | ||
When an aneurysm ruptures, it can cause sudden, severe headache, nausea, vomiting, stiff neck, loss of consciousness, and other neurological deficits. A ruptured aneurysm is a medical emergency that requires immediate attention. | When an aneurysm ruptures, it can cause sudden, severe headache, nausea, vomiting, stiff neck, loss of consciousness, and other neurological deficits. A ruptured aneurysm is a medical emergency that requires immediate attention. | ||
== '''Diagnosis''' == | == '''Diagnosis''' == | ||
Diagnosis of intracranial aneurysms typically involves imaging studies, such as: | Diagnosis of intracranial aneurysms typically involves imaging studies, such as: | ||
* [[Computed tomography angiography]] (CTA) | * [[Computed tomography angiography]] (CTA) | ||
* [[Magnetic resonance angiography]] (MRA) | * [[Magnetic resonance angiography]] (MRA) | ||
* [[Digital subtraction angiography]] (DSA) | * [[Digital subtraction angiography]] (DSA) | ||
* DSA is considered the gold standard for diagnosing and characterizing aneurysms but is more invasive than CTA or MRA. | * DSA is considered the gold standard for diagnosing and characterizing aneurysms but is more invasive than CTA or MRA. | ||
== '''Treatment''' == | == '''Treatment''' == | ||
Treatment options for intracranial aneurysms depend on the size, location, and risk of rupture. They include: | Treatment options for intracranial aneurysms depend on the size, location, and risk of rupture. They include: | ||
* Observation and monitoring for small, unruptured aneurysms | * Observation and monitoring for small, unruptured aneurysms | ||
* [[Endovascular coiling]]: A minimally invasive procedure in which a catheter is used to insert coils into the aneurysm, promoting clot formation and sealing off the aneurysm from the blood flow | * [[Endovascular coiling]]: A minimally invasive procedure in which a catheter is used to insert coils into the aneurysm, promoting clot formation and sealing off the aneurysm from the blood flow | ||
* [[Surgical clipping]]: A neurosurgical procedure that involves placing a clip across the aneurysm's neck to isolate it from the blood flow | * [[Surgical clipping]]: A neurosurgical procedure that involves placing a clip across the aneurysm's neck to isolate it from the blood flow | ||
== '''Prognosis''' == | == '''Prognosis''' == | ||
The prognosis for an intracranial aneurysm depends on several factors, such as the size and location of the aneurysm, the patient's age and overall health, and whether the aneurysm has ruptured. Unruptured aneurysms generally have a better prognosis than ruptured ones. | The prognosis for an intracranial aneurysm depends on several factors, such as the size and location of the aneurysm, the patient's age and overall health, and whether the aneurysm has ruptured. Unruptured aneurysms generally have a better prognosis than ruptured ones. | ||
== '''Epidemiology''' == | == '''Epidemiology''' == | ||
Intracranial aneurysms are relatively common, with an estimated prevalence of 3-5% in the general population. They are more frequently found in adults, with a higher prevalence among women and individuals with a family history of aneurysms. | Intracranial aneurysms are relatively common, with an estimated prevalence of 3-5% in the general population. They are more frequently found in adults, with a higher prevalence among women and individuals with a family history of aneurysms. | ||
== '''Prevention''' == | == '''Prevention''' == | ||
While it is not always possible to prevent the formation of intracranial aneurysms, certain lifestyle modifications may help reduce the risk: | While it is not always possible to prevent the formation of intracranial aneurysms, certain lifestyle modifications may help reduce the risk: | ||
* Maintaining a healthy blood pressure | * Maintaining a healthy blood pressure | ||
* Avoiding tobacco use | * Avoiding tobacco use | ||
| Line 67: | Line 70: | ||
* Managing stress | * Managing stress | ||
Additionally, individuals with a known family history of aneurysms or a genetic predisposition to aneurysm formation may benefit from regular screening. | Additionally, individuals with a known family history of aneurysms or a genetic predisposition to aneurysm formation may benefit from regular screening. | ||
== '''See also''' == | == '''See also''' == | ||
* [[Subarachnoid hemorrhage]] | * [[Subarachnoid hemorrhage]] | ||
* [[Arteriovenous malformation]] | * [[Arteriovenous malformation]] | ||
| Line 76: | Line 77: | ||
== '''References''' == | == '''References''' == | ||
<references /> | <references /> | ||
[[Category | [[Category Neurology]] | ||
[[Category: Vascular diseases]] | [[Category:Vascular diseases]] | ||
[[Category: Cerebrovascular disorders]] | [[Category:Cerebrovascular disorders]] | ||
{{stub}} | {{stub}} | ||
Latest revision as of 10:08, 13 April 2025
Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD medical weight loss NYC and sleep center NYC
| Intracranial aneurysm | |
|---|---|
| |
| Synonyms | Cerebral aneurysm, brain aneurysm |
| Pronounce | N/A |
| Specialty | N/A |
| Symptoms | Often none, but can include headache, vision problems, nausea, vomiting, seizures |
| Complications | Subarachnoid hemorrhage, stroke, brain damage, death |
| Onset | Typically adulthood |
| Duration | Can be chronic or acute |
| Types | N/A |
| Causes | Hypertension, smoking, genetic factors, trauma |
| Risks | Family history, hypertension, smoking, alcohol use disorder |
| Diagnosis | CT scan, MRI, cerebral angiography |
| Differential diagnosis | Arteriovenous malformation, brain tumor, stroke |
| Prevention | Blood pressure control, smoking cessation, healthy diet |
| Treatment | Surgical clipping, endovascular coiling, flow diversion |
| Medication | N/A |
| Prognosis | Varies; risk of rupture depends on size and location |
| Frequency | 1-5% of the population |
| Deaths | N/A |
An intracranial aneurysm, also known as a cerebral aneurysm or brain aneurysm, is a localized dilation or ballooning of a blood vessel within the brain. These aneurysms can be life-threatening if they rupture, leading to subarachnoid hemorrhage and other complications. Early detection and management are crucial in preventing potentially devastating outcomes.
Etiology[edit]
Intracranial aneurysms can be caused by several factors, including:
- Genetic predisposition
- Connective tissue disorders
- Arteriovenous malformations (AVMs)
- Hypertension
- Smoking
- Head trauma
Aneurysms may also form due to a weakening of the blood vessel wall, often at branching points.
Types[edit]
Intracranial aneurysms can be classified into different types based on their shape and location:
- Saccular aneurysm or berry aneurysm: This is the most common type, characterized by a sac-like outpouching of the blood vessel wall.
- Fusiform aneurysm: This type involves a uniform dilation of the blood vessel, resulting in a spindle-shaped enlargement.
- Mycotic aneurysm: This is a rare form of aneurysm caused by an infection in the arterial wall.
Signs and Symptoms[edit]
Many intracranial aneurysms are asymptomatic and discovered incidentally during imaging studies for other reasons. However, when symptoms do occur, they may include:
When an aneurysm ruptures, it can cause sudden, severe headache, nausea, vomiting, stiff neck, loss of consciousness, and other neurological deficits. A ruptured aneurysm is a medical emergency that requires immediate attention.
Diagnosis[edit]
Diagnosis of intracranial aneurysms typically involves imaging studies, such as:
- Computed tomography angiography (CTA)
- Magnetic resonance angiography (MRA)
- Digital subtraction angiography (DSA)
- DSA is considered the gold standard for diagnosing and characterizing aneurysms but is more invasive than CTA or MRA.
Treatment[edit]
Treatment options for intracranial aneurysms depend on the size, location, and risk of rupture. They include:
- Observation and monitoring for small, unruptured aneurysms
- Endovascular coiling: A minimally invasive procedure in which a catheter is used to insert coils into the aneurysm, promoting clot formation and sealing off the aneurysm from the blood flow
- Surgical clipping: A neurosurgical procedure that involves placing a clip across the aneurysm's neck to isolate it from the blood flow
Prognosis[edit]
The prognosis for an intracranial aneurysm depends on several factors, such as the size and location of the aneurysm, the patient's age and overall health, and whether the aneurysm has ruptured. Unruptured aneurysms generally have a better prognosis than ruptured ones.
Epidemiology[edit]
Intracranial aneurysms are relatively common, with an estimated prevalence of 3-5% in the general population. They are more frequently found in adults, with a higher prevalence among women and individuals with a family history of aneurysms.
Prevention[edit]
While it is not always possible to prevent the formation of intracranial aneurysms, certain lifestyle modifications may help reduce the risk:
- Maintaining a healthy blood pressure
- Avoiding tobacco use
- Limiting alcohol consumption
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Exercising regularly
- Managing stress
Additionally, individuals with a known family history of aneurysms or a genetic predisposition to aneurysm formation may benefit from regular screening.
See also[edit]
References[edit]
<references /> Category Neurology
