Understanding the Different Kinds of Aneurysms

An aneurysm happens when the wall of a blood vessel weakens and bulges out. While it might sound minor, it can be life-threatening if it bursts open. Aneurysms can form in different parts of your body, but when they occur in or near your brain, they require special attention and expert care. 

Take a moment as our team of experts helps you understand the different kinds of aneurysms and how we can help here at Link Neuroscience Institute.

What causes aneurysms?

Aneurysms often develop due to a weakening in the blood vessel wall. This weakness can be caused by:

• High blood pressure
• Smoking
• Trauma or injury
• Genetics or family history
• Atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries)

While some unruptured aneurysms remain stable and symptom-free, others grow or rupture. Ruptured aneurysms can cause serious complications like stroke, brain damage, or death.

4 types of aneurysms

Aneurysms can form in blood vessels in various parts of your body, and they’re named after the location where they occur.

1. Brain aneurysms

Cranial aneurysms occur in the arteries of your brain. There are three types of brain aneurysms: berry (saccular), fusiform, and mycotic. Berry aneurysms form on the arteries at the base of your brain and are the most common type of brain aneurysm. 

They’re often discovered incidentally during imaging for other reasons or after it causes symptoms such as:

• Sudden, severe headache (“thunderclap headache”)
• Blurred or double vision
• Pain above or behind the eye
• Nausea or vomiting
• Loss of consciousness

Ruptured cerebral aneurysms are a medical emergency and require immediate treatment. The type of treatment you receive depends on the size and location of the aneurysm. Brain aneurysms are typically classified as small (less than 11 millimeters), large (11–25 millimeters), or giant (greater than 25 millimeters). 

2. Abdominal aortic aneurysm

This type of aneurysm occurs in the section of your aorta that passes through your abdomen. Abdominal aortic aneurysms may not cause symptoms at first, but a growing aneurysm can lead to pulsing near your navel, abdominal pain, or back pain.

If it ruptures, you may experience low blood pressure or fainting.

3. Thoracic aneurysms

These develop in the part of the aorta that runs through your chest. Symptoms might include chest pain, shortness of breath, or trouble swallowing.

4. Peripheral aneurysms

Peripheral aneurysms are less common than other types of aneurysms. They occur in the arteries outside of your aorta and brain, such as in your legs, groin, or behind the knees.

Diagnosing aneurysms 

Aneurysms are typically diagnosed using imaging tests such as CT scans, MRIs, or cerebral angiograms. In some cases, they’re discovered incidentally during imaging for an unrelated issue. 

In other cases, they’re identified because you’ve experienced symptoms that prompted further evaluation.

Treating brain aneurysms in Camarillo, Santa Barbara, and Oxnard, California

At Link Neuroscience Institute, treatment for brain aneurysms depends on the severity and stage of the condition. If an aneurysm has ruptured or is leaking, emergency surgery may be necessary to relieve pressure in your skull and prevent further damage.

We may recommend aneurysm coiling, a minimally invasive endovascular procedure. During aneurysm coiling, our team of neurologists inserts a catheter in an artery in your groin and guides it to your brain, where platinum coils are placed to block blood flow and encourage clotting. 

In some cases, traditional aneurysm clipping may be used to directly cut the blood supply to the aneurysm. 

You don’t need to wait until an aneurysm ruptures before receiving care, either. When detected early, before a rupture, interventional neurosurgery can be used proactively to prevent rupture altogether. Only about 500 surgeons in the US specialize in neurointerventional surgery, which makes access to expert care like ours especially valuable for your health and peace of mind.

Concerned about aneurysms?

If you experience any symptoms of a potential aneurysm — especially a sudden, severe headache — seek immediate medical care. 

If you have a family history of aneurysms or risk factors like high blood pressure, don’t hesitate to visit us here in Camarillo, Santa Barbara, or Oxnard, California.

Questions?  Use our online scheduling system to book your next appointment.