What are the causes of multiple intracranial aneurysms?

The causes of multiple intracranial aneurysms may involve genetic factors, external environmental influences, physiological factors, trauma and other disease factors. A deeper understanding of these causes will help with early prevention and timely treatment. It is recommended that high-risk groups regularly check their cerebrovascular health.

1. Genetic factors

Some intracranial aneurysms have a family genetic tendency. If there is a history of intracranial aneurysm in a direct relative, the individual's risk of the disease will increase significantly. This may be related to gene mutations or congenital abnormalities in the development of the blood vessel wall. People with a higher genetic risk should pay attention to health management. It is recommended to regularly undergo magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) or CT angiography (CTA) examinations to promptly evaluate cerebrovascular conditions.

2. Environmental factors

External factors such as long-term smoking, alcoholism, and high-pressure lifestyles increase the risk of multiple intracranial aneurysms. Nicotine and harmful chemicals in smoking can damage the integrity of blood vessel walls, while alcoholism can increase blood pressure and damage blood vessel elasticity. High-pressure lifestyles lead to long-term mental stress and may also induce vascular wall lesions. Improving lifestyles is essential, such as quitting smoking and limiting alcohol consumption, maintaining a regular work and rest schedule, and reducing mental stress.

3. Physiological factors

As people age, the elasticity of brain blood vessels gradually decreases, especially for people over 40 years old. Due to vascular aging, the risk of intracranial aneurysms increases. Women's estrogen levels decrease (such as after menopause), making the blood vessel walls more susceptible to degeneration, making them a high-risk group for aneurysm development. It is recommended that middle-aged and elderly people pay attention to the elasticity of their blood vessels, appropriately supplement nutrients that are beneficial to blood vessel health (such as omega-3 fatty acids) or perform relaxing exercises.

4. Trauma-induced

Craniocerebral trauma may directly damage the blood vessel wall and increase the risk of aneurysm. In particular, when the head is hit hard by a car accident or fall, the inner wall of the blood vessel may be torn or weakened. Even if there is no obvious discomfort after the trauma, brain imaging should be performed to check for potential aneurysms.

5. Pathological factors

Certain systemic diseases such as hypertension, atherosclerosis, and bacterial endocarditis increase the risk of intracranial aneurysms. For example, long-term compression of the blood vessel wall caused by hypertension may cause the wall to bulge and form an aneurysm; atherosclerosis destroys vascular elasticity through lipid deposition. These diseases need to be managed with antihypertensive drugs (such as ACE inhibitors), drugs that improve blood lipids (such as statins), and anti-infective treatments.

Conclusion

The formation of multiple intracranial aneurysms is often the result of a combination of factors. Potential high-risk groups should maintain a healthy lifestyle and regularly monitor their vascular conditions; once diagnosed or symptoms of cerebrovascular abnormalities occur, they should seek medical help in a timely manner. Good health management and regular physical examinations are essential for the prevention and treatment of intracranial aneurysms.