An aneurysm forms when a bulging, or "ballooning," of a weakened artery wall occurs. One type of aneurysm can appear berry-like on an artery and is the most common type of aneurysm, occurring in 90 percent of cases, according to the University of Virginia Health System. Two other types of aneurysm include the fusiform aneurysm, which develops when the aneurysm bulges on all sides, and the dissecting aneurysm, which occurs when a tear arises in the artery wall, causing blood to flow into other arterial layers. Small, unknown brain aneurysms can show no symptoms, while an enlarged brain aneurysm or one that ruptures can demonstrate both distressing and/or life-threatening symptoms.
Unruptured Brain Aneurysm Symptoms
The University of Virginia Health System says that about 90 percent of brain aneurysms present without symptoms. Typically, an unruptured and unknown brain aneurysm is found incidentally on such tests as CT or MRI scans. However, some symptoms that manifest with an unruptured brain aneurysm encompass speech complications, sudden behavioral changes, loss of equilibrium, vision changes and eye pain. These symptoms can occur if the unruptured aneurysm is large and pressing on tissues and nerves, as stated by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.
"Leaking" Symptoms
The "leaking" of an aneurysm occurs between the time of an unruptured brain aneurysm and the complete rupturing of a brain aneurysm. This "leaking" characterizes a subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), where the blood leaks into the "subarachnoid space" (the layer between the brain and the membranes that cover the brain), as noted by the University of Virginia Health System. SAH, if not treated immediately, can cause a hemorrhagic stroke, which leads to death.
Ruptured Brain Aneurysm Symptoms
A ruptured brain aneurysm can be fatal. You should have any manifest symptoms evaluated immediately by a physician. The Mayo Clinic concludes that, "in about 50 percent of cases, ruptured brain aneurysms are fatal." One very common symptom of a potential ruptured brain aneurysm is a severe headache. Most describe this headache as "the worst headache in my life," notes BrainAneurysmResources.com. The symptoms present with a ruptured aneurysm also include seizure, nausea and vomiting, stiff neck, light sensitivity, and high blood pressure.
