A brain aneurysm is a condition in which an artery in the brain begins to weaken and stretch in one spot. MayoClinic.com describes a brain aneurysm as resembling a berry on a stem. High blood pressure can either cause an aneurysm or can make an already present aneurysm worse. Brain aneurysms aren’t always fatal. If an aneurysm ruptures, a person can suffer a stroke. It is possible for an eye test to expose an aneurysm by identifying pressure on the brain. Most aneurysms, however, are discovered using magnetic resonance imaging, or MRI, and cranial computed tomography, or CT.
Sudden Extreme Headache
Medline Plus, a website of the National Institutes of Health, describes the headache experienced with a brain aneurysm as the worst headache ever experienced. This signifies that the aneurysm has ruptured. Some individuals even describe a popping sound before the headache comes on.
Stiff Neck
A stiff neck can occur with a ruptured brain aneurysm because the blood that leaks out of the artery can irritate the thin lining around the brain. This lining around the brain is called the meninges. The stiff neck feeling is similar to a kink in the neck; however, it cannot be relieved by any means.
Nausea and Vomiting
Soon after the severe headache comes on from a ruptured brain aneurysm, nausea and vomiting can begin. Medications can be administered by a doctor to eliminate or alleviate the sickness caused by brain aneurysm.
Blurred or Double Vision
Vision problems can occur with an unruptured or ruptured aneurysm because of interference with the optic nerve. The bulge in the artery of an unruptured brain aneurysm can press on the optic nerve, causing vision changes. If the brain aneurysm has ruptured the leaking blood can create pressure inside the head that will also affect the optic nerve and cause vision changes.
Seizure
According to the New York Times Health Guide, a seizure is an occurrence of a sudden change in behavior because of electrical activity in the brain misfiring. There are many different types of seizure that can occur, from total loss of body function and jerking to simply staring off into space. Once an aneurysm has ruptured, seizures are common. Anti-seizure medication will be given in order to prevent more from occurring.
Drooping Eyelid
The drooping eyelid can either be sudden or progressive with an aneurysm. It occurs because the pressure from the unruptured aneurysm is pressing on the nerves in the brain or because the blood from a ruptured aneurysm is causing pressure as well. After the diagnosis of brain aneurysm is made, a person can either undergo surgery to correct the drooping or be fitted for specific types of eyeglasses that help hold the eyelid open.
