Brain aneurysms occur when a blood vessel wall is weakened and balloons out. These weakened blood vessel wall regions can rupture, causing blood to leak into the surrounding brain area and may result in brain damage or death. Brain aneurysms are believed to be associated more with wear and tear on blood vessels and lifestyle factors, and thus occur more commonly later in life. Brain aneurysms are very rare in children; however, several conditions might cause such occurrences.
Polycystic Kidney Disease
Polycystic kidney disease is actually made up of a group of genetic disorders that are all characterized by damaged tissue, specifically blood vessels, explains the National Kidney and Urologic Disease Information Clearinghouse (NKUDIC). These disorders are characterized by the growth of numerous cysts in the kidneys, which enlarge the kidneys while replacing much of the normal structure, resulting in reduced kidney function and leading to kidney failure. Specifically, those with the autosomal dominant gene, meaning it is only necessary to inherit the gene from one parent for the disease to show itself, are at risk of brain aneurysms as a complication.
Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome
Ehlers-Danlos syndrome is a group of disorders that effect connective tissue including, skin, bones and blood vessel walls. Characteristics of this syndrome include easy brusing, translucent skin and fragile arteries, notes the Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center, or GARD, which can cause brain aneurysms.
Tuberous Sclerosis
Tuberous sclerosis is a rare genetic disorder that is also referred to as tuberous sclerosis complex. This disorder commonly results in the growth of benign tumors on the brain and other vital organs, notes the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. Tumors that grow in the brain can block the flow of cerebral spinal fluid in the spaces (ventricles) in the brain, which can lead to behavior changes, nausea and headaches, according to Tuberous Sclerosis Alliance, but also a number of other symptoms which may include brain aneurysms. In an article Published in Acta Neurologica Belgia in 2010, the authors note that the association between tuberous sclerosis and intracranial aneurysm is not well established. Therefore, it may not have a direct impact on the development of brain aneurysms.
Neurofibromatosis
Neurofibromatosis is a genetic disorder that effects multiple systems and is most commonly associated with the skin, the brain and the bones, notes E Medicine. In the brain, vascular lesions are possible and can result in brain aneurysms, notes E Medicine. The earliest sign of neurofibromatosis is multiple "cafe-au-lait" discolorations of the skin, and these spots often increase in number as the child ages, reports E Medicine.
Moyamoya Disease
Moyamoya disease is a progressive disease characterized by a blockage of the major blood vessels that bring blood to the brain. This disease is often accompanied by brain aneurysms, possibly due to the stress put on alternative blood vessels, since the main ones are blocked, notes Brain-Aneurysm. Additionally, there are other theories that speculate this disease may be caused by a birth defect that pre-disposes the child to moymoya disease and aneurysms, according to Brain-Aneurysm.
Considerations
At the Meeting of the American Society of Neuroradiology in 2007, Dr. Greeley, a neuroradiologist in Cincinnati, Ohio, presented a study in which he evaluated 58 children with brain aneurysms and found that 43 had symptoms that were idiopathic, which means the symptoms arose spontaneously from an unknown cause. Therefore, many brain aneurysms in children may have obscure or unknown causes.
