Types of Aneurysms

What is a brain aneurysm?

An aneurysm in the brain (also called a cerebral aneurysm or an intracranial aneurysm) is a bulging, weakened area in the middle layer of the wall of a blood vessel in the brain, resulting in an abnormal widening. An aneurysm may occur in any artery, but is often seen in arteries in the brain.

Although patients with aneurysms are born with a weakness in one or more spots of the arteries in the brain, it takes many years for aneurysms to grow. An aneurysm grows because the pounding of the blood in this weak spot expands the sac.

Symptoms and causes of a brain aneurysm

Symptoms that may occur with aneurysms in the brain, and their causes may include, but are not limited to, the following:

The symptoms of an aneurysm may resemble other medical conditions or problems. Always consult your physician for more information.

To request an appointment or refer a patient, please contact the Johns Hopkins Aneurysm Center at 410-614-1533.