A brain or cerebral aneurysm occurs when a weakened portion of a blood vessel within the brain abnormally expands and fills with blood. Unruptured brain aneurysms rarely cause symptoms in affected patients. If the weakened blood vessel expands too much, it may rupture and can cause symptoms. In the United States, approximately 27,000 people develop a ruptured brain aneurysm each year, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS). Patients who develop any symptoms for a brain aneurysm should seek emergency care immediately to prevent potentially life-threatening medical complications.
No Symptoms
Small, unruptured brain aneurysms typically do not cause symptoms in affected patients. Certain risk factors, such as age, family history, blood pressure level or alcohol or tobacco use, may increase a patient's likelihood of developing a brain aneurysm, warns MayoClinic.com. Patients who possess these risk factors or are concerned about developing a brain aneurysm should seek further guidance from a medical professional.
Blurred or Double Vision
Patients with an unruptured or ruptured brain aneurysm can experience vision changes due to abnormally high pressure levels in the brain. When the weakened blood vessel swells, it can press into and damage certain brain regions, such as the optic or eye nerve, explains MedlinePlus, a health information website supported by the National Institutes of Health. If this occurs, affected patients can experience temporarily blurred or double vision, which may be accompanied by dizziness.
Eye Pain
Pressure within the brain caused by an aneurysm can lead to eye pain symptoms in certain patients. Mild to severe pain can develop above or behind the eyes, explains NINDS. These symptoms may persist over time in patients with an unruptured brain aneurysm or may arise suddenly after an aneurysm ruptures.
Increased Light Sensitivity
A brain aneurysm, especially if it ruptures, can cause patients to develop an increased sensitivity to light. This symptom may also be accompanied by dilated pupils in certain patients.
Severe Headache or Stiff Neck
If a brain aneurysm ruptures, affected patients can experience a sudden, debilitating headache, explains MedlinePlus. This severe headache may occur in conjunction with stiff neck symptoms in certain patients. Patients who develop these symptoms should seek medical care immediately as these brain aneurysm symptoms can also be signs of a stroke.
Nausea or Vomiting
Severe headache pain can cause stomach upset symptoms in patients who develop a ruptured brain aneurysm. These stomach upset symptoms can arise suddenly and may include nausea or vomiting, explains The Brain Aneurysm Foundation.
Weakness or Numbness
Blood the leaks into the brain following the rupture of an aneurysm can interfere with nerve signaling within the body. As a result, patients with a ruptured brain aneurysm can develop sudden numbness, tingling or weakness in any region of the body. These symptoms of a ruptured brain aneurysm can make it difficult for a patient to move the affected body region normally.
Cognitive or Behavioral Changes
Unusual cognitive or behavioral changes can arise following the rupture of a brain aneurysm. Affected patients may appear abnormally confused, lethargic, irritable or impulsive, warns MedlinePlus. Speech complications, such as slurred or incoherent speech, may also occur as a symptom of a ruptured brain aneurysm. Patients who develop these brain aneurysm symptoms require immediate emergency medical care.
