Cerebral aneurysms are a medical condition affecting the blood vessels in the brain. The word "cerebral" is spelled /səˈribrəl/ in IPA phonetic transcription, with the stress on the second syllable. "Aneurysms" is spelled /ˈan(j)əˌrizəmz/ in IPA, with the stress on the first syllable. This condition occurs when a weakened area of a blood vessel in the brain bulges and fills with blood. Cerebral aneurysms can rupture and cause life-threatening bleeding in the brain, making early detection and treatment crucial for patient safety.
Cerebral aneurysms, also known as intracranial aneurysms or brain aneurysms, refer to abnormal bulges or weak spots in the wall of a blood vessel located in the brain. More specifically, cerebral aneurysms occur in the arteries carrying oxygen-rich blood to the brain and can develop in any part of the brain. These aneurysms are typically characterized by a pouch-like or balloon-like shape that protrudes from the vessel wall.
Cerebral aneurysms can vary in size, with some being small and others large, and can also differ in their level of risk or potential harm. They are often asymptomatic and go unnoticed until they rupture, causing a life-threatening condition known as a subarachnoid hemorrhage. When a cerebral aneurysm ruptures, blood spills into the space surrounding the brain, resulting in severe headache, nausea, rapid onset of symptoms, and potential neurological deficits. Urgent medical attention and intervention are required in such cases.
Common risk factors associated with cerebral aneurysms include a family history of the condition, certain genetic disorders, high blood pressure, smoking, advanced age, and other medical conditions such as arteriovenous malformation (AVM). Diagnosis of cerebral aneurysms typically involves various imaging techniques like computed tomography angiography (CTA) or magnetic resonance angiography (MRA). Treatment options for cerebral aneurysms can range from observation and monitoring to surgical intervention, such as aneurysm clipping or endovascular coiling, depending on the size, location, and overall risk of the aneurysm.
The word "cerebral" originates from the Latin word "cerebrum", meaning brain. It entered English through the French term "cérébral" in the mid-19th century. "Aneurysm", on the other hand, comes from the Greek word "aneurysma", which means "a widening" or "an enlargement". It is a combination of "ana-" (meaning "up" or "through") and "eurys" (meaning "wide" or "broad"). Therefore, the term "cerebral aneurysm" refers to an abnormal enlargement or bulging of a blood vessel in the brain.