A brain aneurysm is an abnormal widening of a section of a blood vessel in the brain. If the blood vessel wall that encloses the ballooned area becomes too weak, it can rupture, releasing blood into and permanently damaging the surrounding brain tissues. Ruptured brain aneurysms are considered to be a medical emergency, so seek immediate medical care if you or someone you know is experiencing any of these symptoms.
Headache
According to the Mayo Clinic, a severe headache that comes on suddenly is a cardinal symptom of a ruptured aneurysm. This headache usually comes on out of the blue and is extremely severe, commonly described as one of the worst headaches a person could imagine experiencing. This headache may sometimes be accompanied by other severe physical symptoms, including nausea and vomiting and a stiff neck.
Vision Symptoms
Individuals suffering from a ruptured aneurysm may experience a number of vision changes. They may develop blurry or double vision, or they may suddenly lose some or all of their vision, according to the National Institutes of Health. Sensitivity to light, or photophobia, may also develop, making it painful for the affected person to open her eyes outside during normal daylight or indoors in a normally lit room.
Neurological Symptoms
According to the National Institutes of Health, those with a ruptured aneurysm may experience a number of neurological symptoms related to motor function, sensation and emotional and impulse control. For example, they may move or walk sluggishly. They may also develop muscle weakness, finding it hard to move all or certain parts of the body, lift objects, stand or exert themselves physically. They may also suddenly become extremely irritable, have angry outbursts or act unusually impulsively. Some people may also lose sensation or develop total numbness in the face, limbs or other parts of the body, according to the Aneurysm and AVM Foundation. The sudden appearance of a drooping eyelid may be another neurological sign of a ruptured aneurysm.
Changes in Consciousness
A ruptured aneurysm can sometimes cause people to experience changes in their normal levels of alertness, according to the National Institutes of Health. They may suddenly become confused, drowsy and extremely lethargic. They may be disoriented, having trouble thinking, understanding, speaking or staying alert. If not promptly treated, some individuals may completely lose consciousness and pass out. Others may develop seizures or convulsions or strokes as a complication of bleeding in the brain and spasming blood vessels that restrict normal blood flow to the brain.
