Intracranial Aneurysms is a medical term used to describe the bulge or swelling in the wall of a blood vessel inside the brain. The word "intracranial" is pronounced as /ˌɪntrəˈkreɪniəl/ with stress on the third syllable. The word "aneurysm" is pronounced as /ˈænjəˌrɪzəm/ with the first syllable stressed. The spelling of "intracranial aneurysms" is derived from its Greek roots 'intracranialos' meaning within the skull and 'aneurysma' meaning dilation, which accurately describes the medical condition.
Intracranial aneurysms refer to abnormal bulges or balloon-like dilations that occur in the walls of blood vessels in the brain. Specifically, they are localized weaknesses in the walls of cerebral arteries, which are the blood vessels responsible for supplying oxygenated blood to the brain. These aneurysms tend to develop at areas where the arterial walls are weakened or thinner due to genetic or acquired factors.
The formation of intracranial aneurysms is often asymptomatic, which means the affected individuals may not experience any noticeable symptoms until the rupture occurs. However, when the aneurysm ruptures, it can result in a life-threatening condition known as subarachnoid hemorrhage, causing bleeding in the space surrounding the brain. Consequently, sudden and severe headache, nausea, vomiting, changes in vision, or loss of consciousness may be experienced.
Various risk factors contribute to the development of intracranial aneurysms, including smoking, high blood pressure, a family history of aneurysms, connective tissue disorders, and advanced age. Additionally, certain medical conditions such as polycystic kidney disease and arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) increase the risk of aneurysm formation.
Diagnosis of intracranial aneurysms is usually done through imaging techniques such as computed tomography angiography (CTA) or magnetic resonance angiography (MRA). Treatment options include surgical clipping, where a small metal clip is used to isolate the aneurysm from the blood circulation, or endovascular coiling, a less invasive procedure involving the insertion of small platinum coils into the aneurysm to promote blood clotting and prevent rupture.
Regular surveillance and management are essential for individuals diagnosed or at
The word "intracranial" is derived from the Latin words "intra" meaning "within" and "cranium" meaning "skull", referring to something occurring within the skull. The word "aneurysm" is derived from the Greek word "aneurysma", meaning "a widening" or "dilation". So, "intracranial aneurysms" refers to the dilation or widening of a blood vessel occurring within the skull.