Brain aneurysms are silent killers—here's why

Most of us don’t think about brain aneurysms until we hear a scary story: someone young, seemingly healthy, suddenly collapses from a “burst vessel in the brain.” It sounds terrifying, and it is. But what actually causes a brain aneurysm? And is it something you should worry about?

First, a brain aneurysm is like a little balloon or bubble that forms in a weak spot of a blood vessel in your brain. Over time, that weak spot can swell—and if the pressure gets too high, it can burst. When it does, it causes bleeding in the brain, also known as a hemorrhagic stroke. But here’s the kicker: most aneurysms don’t burst. In fact, many people have one and don’t even know it.

And while it’s easy to think that stress alone causes aneurysms (we've all heard those myths), it’s usually more about what long-term stress does to your blood pressure and habits—like smoking or skipping doctor visits.

Recently, actor Salman Khan opened up on his struggle with brain aneurysm. “I’m out here breaking my bones every day, ribs are fractured, I’m working despite having trigeminal neuralgia, there’s an aneurysm in the brain, yet I’m still working. There’s also an AV malformation, and still, I’m carrying on," he said on a TV show.

So, what exactly is it?
A weak or thin area in a blood vessel in the brain that swells or balloons out and fills with blood is called a brain aneurysm, sometimes referred to as a cerebral aneurysm. A potentially fatal condition known as subarachnoid hemorrhage (bleeding in the area surrounding the brain) may result from its rupture, says Dr Praveen Gupta, Chairman, Marengo Asia International Institute of Neuro & Spine (MAIINS), Marengo Asia Hospitals, Gurugram. "The unpredictable nature of brain aneurysms makes them especially deadly; many people are not aware they have one until they suddenly fall or have a terrible headache. In high-risk groups, especially those with a family history or lifestyle risk, we at Marengo Asia Hospitals place a strong emphasis on early detection. Thanks to developments in microsurgical and neuroimaging methods, aneurysms can frequently be identified and treated before they burst," he adds and shares the causes of the disease.

Brain aneurysm causes
Blood vessel wall weakness: A weakening in the walls of the arteries supplying the brain, either acquired or congenital, is the most frequent underlying cause.

Hypertension (high blood pressure): Over time, artery walls may bulge or burst due to the increased pressure caused by chronic hypertension.

Atherosclerosis: The accumulation of plaque and fatty deposits within blood arteries weakens their walls and aids in the development of aneurysms.

Smoking: One of the biggest risk factors is smoking. It speeds up the deterioration of arteries and harms the vascular endothelium.

Hereditary and genetic conditions: Because of anomalies in connective tissue, conditions such Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, Marfan syndrome, and polycystic kidney disease are associated with an increased risk of aneurysms.

Trauma or injury: Although less frequent, head trauma can harm blood vessels and cause aneurysm formation.

Substance abuse, particularly cocaine use: Cocaine and other stimulants create abrupt stress on blood vessels and a quick increase in blood pressure.

Gender and age: Women are more likely than men to be afflicted by aneurysms, which often occur in adults over 40.

Tips for prevention and awareness

1.Keep an eye and manage blood pressure

2.Steer clear of tobacco and excessive alcohol.

3.Control diabetes and cholesterol levels

4.Family history-Think about getting preventive imaging.

5.Get care right away if you experience symptoms including nausea, impaired vision, or an intense headache.