Signs You're Dealing with a Brain Aneurysm

Any aneurysm is a medical cause for concern. An aneurysm is an abnormal bulge in an artery wall, and if it’s not treated, it carries a risk of rupture, leading to internal bleeding. As well, aneurysms are a focal point for blood clot formation. 

A ruptured aneurysm in the brain can be a life-threatening condition. Vascular specialist and interventional cardiologist Enrique Hernandez, MD, of Advanced Vascular Cardiac & Veins can diagnose, monitor, and treat aneurysms anywhere in the body, including the brain. 

The crucial part of dealing with your brain aneurysm is recognizing the signs and symptoms of the condition. Small brain aneurysms may not cause obvious warnings, an unfortunate characteristic in a potentially deadly disorder. 

This month, we take an in-depth look into brain aneurysms as well as the signs they can produce, particularly when they rupture. 

Understanding aneurysms in the brain

Aneurysms can happen anywhere in the brain, and they’re typically small and without symptoms. The majority of brain aneurysms form in the major arteries entering the brain at the base of the skull. 

Symptoms develop when an aneurysm expands enough to press on brain tissue or nerves. The specific signs of tissue compression depend on the nerve or part of the brain affected. 

More serious is when an aneurysm expands like an overstretched balloon and subsequently ruptures, causing bleeding in the brain. A brain bleed is a serious medical emergency, and as time passes between the rupture and treatment, the chances of disability or death increase. 

Signs you’re dealing with a brain aneurysm

A wide range of symptoms are associated with brain aneurysms. Let’s examine these as they apply to unruptured and ruptured states. 

Unruptured aneurysms

An intact aneurysm usually causes no symptoms. When the arterial bulge presses against nerves or brain tissue, you may experience problems like: 

• Headaches
• Pain in the forehead and behind your eyes
• Numbness or tingling in the face and head
• Changes to your vision
• Dilated pupils
• Seizures

Though less serious than a burst aneurysm, symptomatic unruptured aneurysms require medical attention at your first opportunity. 

Ruptured aneurysms

When a rupture bursts, you may note these symptoms: 

• Thunderclap headache, a sudden and severe headache 
• Pain in the forehead and behind your eyes
• Stiff neck
• Blurred vision
• Double vision
• Sensitivity to light
• Drooping eyelid
• Pupil dilation
• Seizures
• Mental confusion
• Numbness
• Weakness
• Losing consciousness

Small leaks of blood can precede a significant rupture, sometimes causing sentinel headaches, a warning sign that comes days or weeks before the more serious event. 

If you exhibit one or more signs of a ruptured aneurysm, seek immediate emergency medical attention or call 911 right away. 

If you suspect you may be at risk of a brain aneurysm, or to follow up after emergency care, contact Advanced Vascular Cardiac & Veins at our nearest Miami, Florida, location. Request an appointment online or call your choice of office today.