Where are most aneurysms located?

Asked by: Ellis Langworth  |  Last update: April 7, 2026
Score: 4.2/5 (20 votes)

Most aneurysms occur in the aorta, the body's main artery, particularly in the abdomen (abdominal aortic aneurysm, AAA) or chest (thoracic aortic aneurysm), but they also frequently form in the blood vessels of the brain (cerebral aneurysm). Other locations include the arteries behind the knee (popliteal), intestines, spleen, and legs, with the AAA being the most common type overall, especially in older males.

Where is the most common place to have an aneurysm?

The most common location of an aneurysm is the aorta, which carries oxygenated blood from the heart to the body. The thoracic aorta is the short segment of the aorta in the chest cavity. The abdominal aorta is the section of the aorta that runs through the abdomen.

Can aneurysm cause ear pain?

Yes, an aneurysm, especially one near the ear in the carotid artery (petrous carotid aneurysm) or a brain aneurysm pressing on nerves, can cause ear pain, often presenting as pulsatile tinnitus (hearing a pulse in the ear), hearing loss, or pressure/pain in the ear, sometimes accompanied by other neurological symptoms like headaches or vision changes, with ruptured aneurysms causing sudden, severe pain.
 

What are the first signs of an aneurysm?

Early signs of an aneurysm, especially a brain aneurysm, often involve sudden, severe symptoms like the "worst headache of your life," stiff neck, vision changes (blurred/double vision, light sensitivity), weakness/numbness, nausea, vomiting, or a drooping eyelid, indicating a rupture or pressure on nerves; however, many unruptured aneurysms have no symptoms until they get large or rupture, so any sudden severe headache warrants emergency care. Aneurysms elsewhere, like in the abdomen, might cause deep belly pain or a pulsing feeling.
 

Can anything trigger an aneurysm?

Aneurysms are caused by weakness in a blood vessel wall, often from factors like high blood pressure, atherosclerosis, smoking, drug/alcohol abuse, infections, head trauma, and certain genetic conditions (e.g., Ehlers-Danlos, Polycystic Kidney Disease), leading to a bulge that can rupture. They often form at artery forks where stress is higher, with risk factors developing over time or being present from birth. 

One Of The Deadliest Conditions: Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA)

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What habits cause aneurysms?

Habits that significantly increase aneurysm risk include smoking, high blood pressure (uncontrolled), heavy alcohol use, and illicit drug use (like cocaine), which weaken artery walls, while an unhealthy diet, high stress, and lack of physical activity contribute indirectly by worsening blood pressure and vessel health. Managing these habits by quitting smoking, controlling blood pressure and diet, and avoiding drugs can lower your risk.
 

At what age is an aneurysm most likely?

Risk factors include: Age. Brain aneurysms can happen at any age. However, they're more common in adults between ages 30 and 60.

What is the red flag of aneurysm?

Sudden, severe headache.

This is the most common warning sign – and one of the most alarming. It is usually associated with nausea and vomiting. “If someone describes it as the worst headache of their life, we take that very seriously,” Dr. Cavalcanti says.

What happens right before you have an aneurysm?

A sudden, severe headache with or without stroke symptoms could be a sign of a brain aneurysm. Call 911 or go to an emergency room if you're having these symptoms.

What tests detect an aneurysm?

A CT angiogram can create detailed images of the arteries providing blood flow in the brain. The test involves injecting dye into the vein that makes it easier to observe blood flow. It also can detect the presence of an aneurysm.

What is a red flag for ear pain?

Ear pain red flags signaling a serious issue requiring prompt medical attention (urgent care/ER) include high fever, severe headache, stiff neck, severe drowsiness, vomiting, swelling around the ear, dizziness/vertigo, balance problems, bleeding/pus drainage, or pain after head trauma. Other warning signs are pain lasting more than a few days, hearing loss, or if the person has a weakened immune system or other chronic conditions like diabetes.
 

Is tinnitus a symptom of an aneurysm?

While aneurysms are not the most common cause of pulsatile tinnitus, they can disrupt normal blood flow and cause the rhythmic whooshing sound. Because pulsatile tinnitus can be the only symptom of an aneurysm, it's important to have it evaluated as soon as possible.

Which of the following clinical signs is most suggestive of a ruptured aneurysm?

“Thunderclap headaches, associated to nausea and vomiting, in a patient with new onset of neck stiffness is very suggestive of an aneurysm rupture,” says Dr. Cavalcanti.

Can stress cause aneurysms?

Stress doesn't directly form an aneurysm but significantly increases the risk of rupture by raising blood pressure and promoting unhealthy habits, acting as a trigger for existing weak spots in blood vessels. Chronic stress elevates adrenaline and cortisol, straining the cardiovascular system, while severe emotional spikes can cause sudden blood pressure surges, potentially leading to a bleed. Managing stress through exercise, good sleep, meditation, and therapy is crucial for vascular health. 

Which artery is more prone to aneurysm?

The popliteal artery is, after the aorta, the most common site for aneurysm formation. Why the popliteal artery is more susceptible than other peripheral muscular arteries is unknown.

What is the number one cause of a brain aneurysm?

The main cause of a brain aneurysm is a weakened artery wall, often forming at artery branch points due to wear and tear, congenital defects, or underlying conditions like polycystic kidney disease, with significant risk factors including high blood pressure, smoking, and family history, all increasing pressure and weakening the vessel. 

How to tell if you're developing an aneurysm?

If you have a larger aneurysm, you may get symptoms such as:

  1. a headache.
  2. pain above or around your eye.
  3. changes in your vision, such as double vision.
  4. dizziness and balance problems.
  5. numbness or weakness on 1 side of your face.
  6. difficulty concentrating and speaking.
  7. problems with your short-term memory.

What not to do with aneurysm?

With an aneurysm, you should avoid things that spike blood pressure and strain your vessels, like smoking, heavy lifting, intense straining (pushing, pulling, sit-ups, pull-ups), high-impact/contact sports, and illicit drug use (especially cocaine), while also managing stress and a poor diet; always follow your doctor's specific advice for your condition. 

What are the warning signs before a rupture occurs?

Symptoms. The majority of time there are no symptoms leading up to the rupture until immediately before the event. When there are symptoms, they may be similar to a stroke−severe headache or a 'brain freeze' sensation, difficulty speaking, weakness, vomiting and loss of consciousness.

How long can you have an aneurysm without knowing?

You can have an aneurysm for years, even a lifetime, without knowing it, as most unruptured aneurysms are silent and discovered accidentally during scans for other issues; some people never find out they had one, while others may experience symptoms like headaches or vision changes if it grows large or leaks, requiring immediate attention if it ruptures. 

Can you see aneurysm on a CT scan?

A CT scan can show the presence of an aneurysm — and if the aneurysm has burst, it detects blood that has leaked into the brain.

Are there warning signs days before an aortic aneurysm?

While many aortic aneurysms are silent, some can show subtle signs days or weeks before a rupture, such as persistent deep back/belly pain, a throbbing sensation near the navel, or new-onset chest pain, cough, or difficulty swallowing, but these can also signal other issues; a sudden, severe pain is a medical emergency indicating rupture. Because symptoms often don't appear until it's critical, routine screenings for at-risk individuals are crucial, say Yale Medicine, Mass General Brigham, Aurora Health Care, and Bangkok Hospital.
 

How to prevent aneurysm from rupturing?

But your lifestyle also has an impact.

  1. Controlling your blood pressure. ...
  2. Eating a healthy diet, especially cutting down on salt intake. ...
  3. Quitting smoking. ...
  4. Moderating your alcohol intake. ...
  5. Treating sleep apnea. ...
  6. Managing stress.

Can COVID cause brain aneurysms?

COVID-19-induced damage to endothelial cells could also be one of the possible mechanisms leading to aneurysm rupture. COVID-19 is associated with changes in endothelial morphology and apoptosis, which can accelerate the deterioration of the arterial wall leading to aneurysm rupture.

Can straining cause aneurysms?

Straining During Bowel Movements

Straining increases intracranial pressure and causes a Valsalva maneuver – a forceful exhale against a closed airway – which rapidly spikes blood pressure inside the brain's vessels. This is a well-documented trigger in aneurysm rupture cases.