A brain aneurysm is a blood-filled bulge in a blood vessel that occurs as a result of a weakening of the blood vessel wall. While most aneurysms do not cause any symptoms or problems, some can leak or rupture, causing blood to spill into the brain. Ruptured or leaking aneurysms can cause a number of potentially life-threatening complications and require prompt medical treatment.
Re-Bleeding
According to the Mayo Clinic, most ruptured aneurysms only cause bleeding that lasts for a few seconds. However, in some cases, re-bleeding--a situation in which the vessel leaks or ruptures again--can occur. Each time an aneurysm ruptures, the blood damages or kills the brain cells surrounding it and increases pressure within the skull cavity. Re-bleeding increases the risk of additional neurological complications and permanent brain damage.
Neurological Complications
According to the National Institutes of Health, a ruptured brain aneurysm can cause a number of neurological side effects that interfere with normal movement, sensation and cognitive functioning. Depending upon the extent and location of brain tissue damage, some individuals may permanently lose sensation in an area of the body or in the face, may lose the ability to move limbs or appendages, or may experience other problems related to memory, thinking ability, speech or vision.
Stroke
When a brain aneurysm ruptures, it can cause the brain's blood vessels to dilate and constrict in an unpredictable manner. These erratic spasms--called vasospasms--can block normal blood flow to the brain and cause a stroke, according to the Mayo Clinic. The longer the supply of blood and oxygen to the brain's cells is restricted, the more potential brain damage and permanent neurological complications can occur.
Subarachnoid Hemorrhage and Hyponatremia
If a brain aneurysm ruptures, blood can leak into the subarachnoid space--the area between the brain itself and its thin outer membrane. According to the Mayo Clinic, the excess flow of blood can disturb the balance of electrolytes in the blood stream, leading to a condition known as hyponatremia. Hyponatremia is characterized by abnormally low sodium in the blood, which causes the brain cells to swell. If not treated promptly, it can lead to permanent brain damage. According to The Aneurysm and AVM Foundation, other complications that can occur as a result of a subarachnoid hemorrhage include severe fever and headache, seizures and stroke, so prompt treatment of this condition is critical.
Hydrocephalus
A ruptured aneurysm that leaks blood into the subarachnoid space can interfere with normal circulation of fluid around the brain and spinal cord. According to The Aneurysm and AVM Foundation, this can cause blood and fluid to pool around the base of the brain and can cause the areas within the brain that produce cerebrospinal fluid to swell. This condition, known as hydrocephalus, causes increasing pressure on the brain and can lead to tissue damage or death if the excess fluid is not drained to relieve pressure.
