Cerebral Aneurysm

Cerebral aneurysms are focal dilations of intracranial arteries, commonly at bifurcations of the circle of Willis, with a risk of rupture leading to subarachnoid hemorrhage. Etiology includes congenital vascular defects, hypertension, smoking, and genetic syndromes. Many aneurysms are asymptomatic until rupture, though large aneurysms may cause cranial nerve compression or headache. Diagnosis relies on neuroimaging, including CT angiography, MR angiography, or digital subtraction angiography. Management includes endovascular coiling, surgical clipping, or observation for small unruptured aneurysms; prognosis depends on size, location, and rupture status.