Reader’s Digest: These Are the Differences Between a Stroke and an Aneurysm

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An aneurysm is a bulge in a blood vessel wall. The bleeding from a rupture can cause one type of stroke. The lifestyle tips to prevent both are very similar.

What are the risk factors for stroke vs. aneurysm?

“Genetics are a major factor in the development of aneurysms,” says Robert Segal, MD, co-founder of LabFinder.com. “Family members of patients with intracranial aneurysms are at increased risk of having an aneurysm, even in the absence of a known hereditary syndrome.” These include connective tissue and kidney diseases, and some rare inherited conditions, he says.

“If you have a family history of aneurysms you should be screened,” Dr. Segal suggests. “Unruptured intracranial aneurysms should be monitored annually for two to three years, and every two to five years thereafter if the aneurysm is stable.”