LATERAL ANEURYSM Meaning and
Definition
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A lateral aneurysm is a medical condition characterized by the abnormal dilation or bulging of a blood vessel that occurs in a sideways or lateral direction. Aneurysms are typically caused by weaknesses in the arterial walls, resulting in the vessel's expansion and potential rupture. In the case of a lateral aneurysm, this ballooning or swelling occurs on the side wall of the blood vessel, instead of the more commonly seen outpouching of the vessel's main axis.
Lateral aneurysms primarily affect arteries, which are the blood vessels responsible for carrying oxygen-rich blood away from the heart to the rest of the body. The condition can develop in various arteries throughout the body, including the brain, aorta, kidneys, and limbs. However, the most critical concern arises when lateral aneurysms occur in the brain. These intracranial aneurysms pose a significant risk as they can potentially rupture, leading to life-threatening hemorrhages or strokes.
Medical professionals employ various diagnostic techniques, such as imaging scans like computed tomography angiography (CTA) or magnetic resonance angiography (MRA), to identify and evaluate lateral aneurysms. Treatment options depend on the aneurysm's size, location, and overall health of the patient but may include surgical interventions like aneurysm clipping or endovascular coiling, which involves inserting a small device into the blood vessel to prevent further expansion and rupture.
Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for managing lateral aneurysms and reducing the risk of complications associated with vessel rupture, thus emphasizing the importance of regular medical check-ups and addressing any concerning symptoms promptly.
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A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for LATERAL ANEURYSM
- lateral aneuryqm
- lateral aneuryrm
- lateral aneuryse
- lateral aneurysi
- lateral aneuryso
- lateral aneurysl
- l ateral aneurysm
- la teral aneurysm
- lat eral aneurysm
- late ral aneurysm
- later al aneurysm
- latera l aneurysm
- lateral a neurysm
- lateral an eurysm
- lateral ane urysm
- lateral aneu rysm
- lateral aneur ysm
- lateral aneury sm
- lateral aneurys m
Etymology of LATERAL ANEURYSM
The term "lateral aneurysm" is not a commonly used medical term. However, dissecting its individual components may provide some insight into its hypothetical etymology.
An aneurysm is an abnormal bulge or ballooning of a blood vessel, usually caused by weakness in the vessel wall. The word "aneurysm" comes from the Greek word "aneurysma", meaning "dilation" or "expansion".
The word "lateral" comes from the Latin word "lateralis", which means "side" or "pertaining to the side". In medical terminology, "lateral" often refers to the side of the body or a structure that is away from the midline.
