Your Health Now: Brain aneurysms

LEE COUNTY, Fla.- A brain aneurysm is a bulging, weak area in the wall of an artery that supplies blood to the brain.

In many cases, a brain aneurysm causes no symptoms and goes unnoticed. If the aneurysm ruptures, blood is released into the skull; depending on the severity of the hemorrhage, brain damage or death may result.

Known causes of aneurysm:

• Family history of aneurysm
• Smoking
• Age greater than 50 years
• Female gender
• Cocaine use
• Various inherited disorders

Treatment options:

• Clipping: A surgical procedure to prevent rupture
• Coiling: A minimally-invasive procedure to induce clotting