what is an anurismn?!
Question:
Answers:
An aneurysm (or aneurism) (from Greek ανευρυσμα, a dilatation) is a localized dilation or ballooning of a blood vessel by more than 50% of the diameter of the vessel. Aneurysms most commonly occur in the arteries at the base of the brain (the circle of Willis) and in the aorta (the main artery coming out of the heart) - this is an aortic aneurysm.
The layer of the artery that is in direct contact with the flow of blood is the tunica intima, commonly called the intima. This layer is made up of mainly endothelial cells. Adjacent to this layer is the tunica media, known as the media. This "middle layer" is made up of smooth muscle cells and elastic tissue. The outermost layer (farthest from the flow of blood) is known as the tunica adventitia or the adventitia. This layer is composed of connective tissue.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aneurysm
Other Answers:
Aneurysm - A blood vessel weakness that causes bleeding in the brain.
Source(s):
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&lr=&q=define%3Aaneurysm
This is a weakness or bulging in ANY vessle anywhere in the body. They are also common in the abdominal aorta. they are at risk for burst/hemorrhage -
To tag on to Carole's excellent explanation: If there is cause to suspect one, they can often be detected using radiology. In that event, they can often be fixed (surgically or by interventional radiology).
If one bursts (and it is a major vessel not in the brain), you can bleed out fairly quickly. You might not even notice much except you suddently become fatigued, theen sleepy, then go into a coma then die. If it is in the brain, it will likely cause a type of stroke (with the potential to damage the brain -- and coma and death are also possible).
So, if you suspect you might have one:
a) Get it diagnosed.
b) Get it treated as the doctors suggest. This might include a period of monitoring (and waiting until it becomes a certain size before surgery) and will likely include some sort of intrusive procedure.
c) If you suspect you have one that has burst, call 911 right now.
Answers: