aneurysm
An aneurysm is a bulge or “ballooning” in a blood vessel caused by weakening in the vessel wall. It can occur in various locations in the body, but the most common types are brain aneurysms and abdominal aortic aneurysms.
Brain aneurysms occur in the blood vessels of the brain and can be life-threatening if they rupture, causing bleeding into the surrounding tissues (hemorrhagic stroke). Symptoms of a ruptured brain aneurysm may include sudden severe headache, nausea and vomiting, vision changes, confusion, and loss of consciousness.
Abdominal aortic aneurysms occur in the body's main artery, called the aorta, that runs through the abdomen. They can develop slowly over time without any symptoms, but if they rupture, it can cause severe abdominal pain and require immediate medical attention.
The exact cause of an aneurysm is often unknown, but risk factors include high blood pressure, smoking, atherosclerosis (build-up of plaque in the arteries), trauma or injury to the blood vessel, and certain genetic conditions. Treatment options for aneurysms depend on their size, location, and overall health of the individual, and may include monitoring, medications, minimally invasive procedures, or surgery.