Cerebral aneurysm facts for kids
Cerebral aneurysms, also known as brain aneurysms, are a problem with the blood vessels in the brain. They happen when a weak spot in the wall of a brain artery bulges out, like a small balloon.
Small aneurysms might not cause any problems. But if an aneurysm gets bigger, it can cause symptoms. These might include a sudden, very bad headache, feeling sick to your stomach, throwing up, or vision problems.
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What Happens if a Brain Aneurysm Bursts?
If a brain aneurysm bursts, it's very serious. This is called a hemorrhagic stroke. It means blood leaks into the brain. This can cause damage to the brain. People might suddenly have weakness in an arm or leg. They might also have trouble speaking.
A burst aneurysm can be very dangerous. It can lead to serious, lasting problems. Sometimes, it can even be fatal.
What Causes Brain Aneurysms?
Brain aneurysms can happen for different reasons. Sometimes, people are born with a weak spot in a blood vessel. This is called a congenital defect. Other causes can include very high blood pressure. A serious head injury can also sometimes lead to an aneurysm.
Often, an aneurysm bursts suddenly without any warning. This bleeding into the brain is a type of stroke.
Images for kids
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The most common places where brain aneurysms form.
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A CT scan showing an aneurysm that is 2.6 mm wide. This one is at the anterior communicating artery (ACOM).
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Special clips used by surgeons to treat aneurysms. These are called Mayfield and Drake aneurysm clips.
See also
In Spanish: Aneurisma cerebral para niños
