When a weak spot in a blood vessel in the brain bulges out like a balloon, that’s a cerebral aneurysm, a localized, abnormal bulging of a brain artery that can rupture and cause life-threatening bleeding. Also known as a brain aneurysm, it’s not a tumor or a stroke—but it can lead to one if it bursts. About 1 in 50 people has one, and most never know it until it’s too late. That’s why understanding what triggers it, who’s most at risk, and what signs to watch for matters more than you might think.
It’s not just age that increases your risk. High blood pressure, smoking, family history, and certain genetic conditions like polycystic kidney disease all play a role. A intracranial aneurysm, any aneurysm inside the skull, often forms at branching points of arteries where blood flow creates stress. These spots are naturally weaker, and over time, constant pressure can stretch them. Women are more likely than men to develop them, especially after menopause, when hormone changes affect artery elasticity. And while some aneurysms stay small and harmless, others grow silently—until they rupture. That’s when you get a subarachnoid hemorrhage: sudden, severe headache, nausea, stiff neck, vision changes, or loss of consciousness. It’s a medical emergency.
What can you do? If you’ve had a family member with a ruptured aneurysm, or if you have high blood pressure and smoke, talk to your doctor about screening. Imaging tests like CT angiography or MRI can find them before they burst. Treatment options include surgical clipping or endovascular coiling—both aim to seal off the aneurysm and prevent bleeding. Recovery depends on whether it ruptured, how fast treatment came, and your overall health. Even unruptured aneurysms need monitoring. The goal isn’t just to fix the bulge—it’s to stop the next one.
Below, you’ll find real, practical guides from people who’ve dealt with this—whether they’re managing high blood pressure to lower risk, comparing treatment options, or learning how medications affect brain health. No fluff. Just what works, what doesn’t, and what you need to ask your doctor next.
Learn how cerebral aneurysm rupture risk is calculated and what treatment options are available today-from clipping and coiling to flow diversion. Understand when to intervene and when to monitor.
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