Definition

1. Noun:
   • A localized, abnormal, blood-filled dilation of a blood vessel within the skull: An "intracranial aneurysm" is a medical condition characterized by a bulging or ballooning in the wall of an artery located inside the cranium (the skull). This weakened spot in the vessel wall is prone to rupture, which can lead to serious complications like hemorrhagic stroke.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The patient was diagnosed with an intracranial aneurysm after experiencing severe headaches.
  • Surgical clipping is a common procedure to treat a ruptured intracranial aneurysm.
  • Screening for an intracranial aneurysm may be recommended for individuals with a family history of the condition.

Advanced Usage

• "Berry aneurysm": This is a specific, common type of intracranial aneurysm, named for its small, berry-like shape. It is often used synonymously in medical contexts.
  • Most subarachnoid hemorrhages are caused by the rupture of a berry intracranial aneurysm.

Variants and Related Words

• Cerebral aneurysm (n): A frequently used synonym for an intracranial aneurysm, specifically one located in the brain's arteries.

  • The terms "cerebral aneurysm" and "intracranial aneurysm" are often used interchangeably.

• Aneurysmal (adj): Relating to or characterized by an aneurysm.

  • The patient underwent treatment for aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage.

Synonyms

• Cerebral aneurysm: An aneurysm occurring in an artery of the brain.
• Brain aneurysm: A common, less technical term for an intracranial aneurysm.

Related Phrases

• Ruptured intracranial aneurysm: Refers to an aneurysm that has burst, causing bleeding into the surrounding space.

  • Emergency surgery is required for a ruptured intracranial aneurysm.

• Unruptured intracranial aneurysm: Refers to an aneurysm that has not bled.

  • The management of an unruptured intracranial aneurysm depends on its size and location.

Noun

1. an aneurysm of a cranial artery