Can a brain aneurysm be prevented?

Brain aneurysms cannot be prevented, but if you have an unruptured brain aneurysm, there are steps you can take to lessen the risk of rupture. Here is what to do:

• stop smoking
• stop recreational drug use
• maintain a healthy diet and exercise
• don't overexert or strain, which can increase blood pressure
• control high blood pressure
• be mindful of aspirin use as aspirin may prevent proper blood clotting
• consider stopping the use of oral contraceptives

• Know the risk factors and create a lifestyle that helps you avoid an aneurysm in the first place.
• If you are at risk for brain aneurysm, talk with your doctor about getting screened for early detection.
• Know the signs and symptoms of both a brain aneurysm and a ruptured aneurysm and be certain your friends and family members do, too.
• If you experience any of the symptoms, call 911 so you can receive treatment right away.

Cerebral aneurysms are caused by excessive wear and tear on the inner lining of the blood vessel. Major risk factors for the development of aneurysms are high blood pressure, smoking, estrogen deficiency, and a condition called coarctation of the aorta, in which there is a narrowing in a part of the major blood vessel, the aorta. Genetics also are thought to play a role. So, the risk factors that can be modified to reduce the risk of aneurysms are high blood pressure and smoking. 

Aneurysms can be caused by high blood pressure and atherosclerosis, trauma, heredity, and abnormal blood flow where arteries come together.

Maintaining overall health can control some of these causes, such as high blood pressure or atherosclerosis, more commonly known as "hardening of the arteries.” This is a common disorder that occurs when fat, cholesterol and other substances build up in the walls of arteries.

While a healthy diet and exercise program can improve overall hearth health, aneurysms can be difficult to prevent. Heredity has been shown to be a factor in brain aneurysms, bulging spots in arteries that can cause strokes.