A brain aneurysm is the weakening of a brain blood vessel that balloons out and fills with blood. A brain aneurysm can eventually leak blood or rupture and quickly become life threatening. Symptoms include severe headache, nausea, blurred vision, a dilated pupil, and neck pain. Research shows that at least one percent of all people have aneurysms in the brain. Different conditions can potentially cause brain aneurysms. Knowing the potential causes lets you know if you are at risk and whether you should be monitored by a health professional.
Family History
Brain aneurysms can run in families. If a close relative has had a brain aneurysm your chances of developing one doubles. It is still unclear how the genetic predisposition to developing a brain aneurysm is passed on. Brain aneurysms are also more common in families with certain genetic diseases such as polycystic kidney disease and neurofibromatosis.
Connective Tissue, Vascular and Circulatory Disorders
According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, connective tissue disorders such as Ehlers-Danlos syndrome and Marfan's syndrome are associated with an increased likelihood of brain aneurysm. These connective tissue disorders make blood vessels easier to stretch or rupture which can result in an aneurysm. Atherosclerosis, a vascular disorder that causes fat to build up on the inside walls of your blood vessels, is also linked to brain aneurysm formation. Additionally, a circulatory disorder known as arteriovenous malformation can disrupt blood flow in the brain due to an abnormal connection between arteries and veins. Over time, the blood vessels become weakened and worm-like, and can potentially rupture.
Head Trauma, Tumors and Infections
The Brain Aneurysm Foundation highlights that tumors and head injury can cause brain aneurysms to develop. They can cause weakening in blood vessels that trigger an aneurysm. Certain infections that cause the artery wall to deteriorate can also produce brain aneurysms known as mycotic aneurysms. The majority of mycotic aneurysms are caused by bacteria and considered rare.
Other Associated Risks
High blood pressure is a risk for brain aneurysm and rupture. The increased flow of blood caused by high blood pressure can weaken blood vessel walls, thus leading to possible aneurysm development. Cigarette smoking and cocaine use are also associated with an increased risk. Cigarette smoking is a known cause of high blood pressure and consequently increases your risk for an aneurysm. The more cigarettes you smoke, the greater the risk. Cocaine use has also been linked to increased risk for brain aneurysms. It is theorized that due to quick escalations in blood pressure that occur with cocaine use, blood vessel walls can weaken and become inflamed making them susceptible to aneurysm.
