Author: Brooke Belanger, PhD
Chances are you know someone who has died of an ‘aneurysm’. This common phrase is incorrect, and it is actually the rupture of an aneurysm that can cause death, not the physical presence of one. But what actually is an aneurysm anyways?
There are many different kinds of aneurysms that can manifest in any part of the body. The two most common types of aneurysms are within the descending abdominal aorta, just below the heart. This type of aneurysm is called an abdominal aortic aneurysm, and they are completely different than intracranial aneurysms, the other most common aneurysm type.
Intracranial aneurysms are a weakening of an artery wall within the brain. Arteries provide oxygen rich blood to your body. When weakened, a balloon forms that is prone to rupture. Ruptures of IAs cause severe brain bleeds that can lead to stroke. Find some facts about intracranial aneurysms below.
For more information on intracranial aneurysms:
www.bafound.org