An aneurysm refers to a swollen or bulging blood vessel in the brain. If this vessel leaks or bursts, it can lead to bleeding in the brain, called a hemorrhagic stroke. While brain aneurysms are fairly common and often harmless since they usually don’t cause symptoms or problems, a ruptured aneurysm is a serious medical emergency. Recognizing the warning signs early can help prevent lasting brain damage or even death.
Symptoms of a Brain Aneurysm Rupture
- Sudden, severe headache (often described as “the worst headache of my life”)
- Blurred or double vision
- Confusion or difficulty concentrating
- One dilated pupil
- Drooping eyelid on one side
- Fainting or loss of consciousness
- Nausea and vomiting
- Pain around one eye
- Stiff neck
- Sensitivity to light
- Seizures
- Weakness or numbness on one side of the body
How to Spot a Brain Aneurysm Leak
Sometimes, an aneurysm doesn’t rupture all at once. Instead, it may start leaking small amounts of blood over several days or weeks before a full rupture occurs. This is known as a sentinel bleed. The main symptom is a sudden, extremely painful headache that can last for days or even a couple of weeks. If you experience this type of headache, seek prompt medical attention to prevent a potentially life-threatening rupture.
The Silent Threat: Unruptured Aneurysms Explained
Aneurysms often don’t cause any symptoms on their own and are usually small, only discovered incidentally during screenings for other health issues. However, in some cases, unruptured aneurysms can grow large enough to press on nearby nerves in the brain. This pressure may lead to symptoms such as headaches, vision changes, or numbness. If you experience any of these signs, it’s important to seek medical attention promptly.
How to Recognize an Unruptured Aneurysm
- Blurred or double vision
- Pain around one eye
- Drooping eyelid on one side
- One dilated pupil
- Weakness and/or numbness
- Changes in headache patterns*
*Unruptured aneurysms typically do not cause chronic headaches. However, if you already suffer from chronic headaches and notice changes in their frequency or intensity, it’s important to consult your healthcare provider.
Many unruptured aneurysms do not require treatment, but discussing any symptoms or concerns with a medical professional is essential for proper management.*
Genetic Contributors to Aneurysms
Aneurysms develop when the walls of arteries in the brain become thin and weak. Some individuals are born with a predisposition due to congenital defects. Others may have a higher likelihood of developing aneurysms if they have a close family member with a history of brain aneurysms. Additionally, women and people over the age of 40 are more commonly diagnosed with aneurysms, suggesting that age and sex also play important roles in genetic susceptibility.
What Can Happen When an Aneurysm Develops or Ruptures
Serious complications can still occur even after the initial rupture has been managed. For example, the damaged blood vessel may bleed again. Furthermore, the blood vessels surrounding the rupture can constrict, potentially causing an ischemic stroke that results in further cell injury and death. Another possible issue is hydrocephalus, which involves an accumulation of fluid in the brain originating from the spinal cord. This excess fluid can harm brain tissue and increase pressure within the skull.
Physiological Impact of the Rupture
The bleeding caused by the rupture is usually brief and limited in volume, lasting only a few seconds. However, even this small leak can severely harm or destroy nearby brain cells. It may also raise pressure within the skull, reducing blood flow and oxygen delivery to the brain. This increase in pressure can quickly lead to loss of consciousness, lasting brain injury, or even death, as noted by the Mayo Clinic.
More Factors Increasing Risk
Moreover, individuals with specific medical conditions face an increased risk, including arteriovenous malformation, autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease, fibromuscular dysplasia, Marfan syndrome, and vascular Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, as reported by the Cleveland Clinic. High blood pressure can also gradually weaken artery walls. Additionally, habits such as smoking, heavy alcohol consumption, and substance use—particularly cocaine—can contribute to this weakening.
The most intense headache I’ve experienced
Headaches are usually the primary symptom, according to the Brain Aneurysm Foundation. It’s important to remember that not everyone will show all the symptoms. Still, headaches, nausea, a stiff neck, blurred vision, and light sensitivity are among the most frequent signs. If you notice these symptoms, call emergency services immediately rather than having someone drive you to the hospital. Because ruptured aneurysms are critical emergencies, timely medical intervention is crucial, and first responders may need to start life-saving treatment before reaching the hospital.
Ways to Avoid It
Brain aneurysms aren’t always preventable, especially when genetics play a significant role. However, according to the NHS, people can lower their risk by adopting healthier lifestyle habits. The two key objectives are quitting smoking and managing high blood pressure. Blood pressure control can be supported by eating a diet low in salt and rich in fruits and vegetables, limiting alcohol consumption, maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, and reducing caffeine intake. The positive aspect is that these recommendations also help prevent other health issues like heart attacks and kidney disease, offering additional benefits to those aiming to reduce their aneurysm risk.
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