An aneurysm is a bulge in a blood vessel. As with a balloon, the further a blood vessel stretches in an aneurysm, the thinner and weaker its walls grow. Aneurysms can rupture, causing internal bleeding. Aneurysms can occur anywhere in the body, but are particularly problematic in the brain. Many patients with a brain aneurysm experience no symptoms, but an unruptured aneurysm can cause certain painful symptoms. According to 2009 information provided by the National Institutes of Health, it's possible that five percent of Americans may have an undetected brain aneurysm. A ruptured brain aneurysm is a life-threatening event, known as hemorrhagic stroke. Doctors are often able to treat an aneurysm, and reduce the chances of a life-threatening stroke. Unfortunately, the symptoms of an aneurysm can mimic those of many other conditions, so patients will often ignore them in the hopes that they will go away, but detecting an aneurysm before it ruptures can be life-saving.
Localized Headache
An aneurysm swelling inside the brain puts pressure on brain tissues. Because of this pressure, an aneurysm will often lead to an intense headache. According to Mayo Clinic researchers, the pain from an aneurysm-induced headache is typically felt in a precise spot, above and behind one eye.
Visual Disturbances
A growing aneurysm can put pressure on the optic nerve, causing changes to a patient's vision. Patients will often report blurred or double-vision. According to the National Institutes of Health, a patient can even experience a temporary loss of vision. Visual symptoms are often limited to one eye.
Observable Changes in a Patient's Eye
Sometimes, a patient's eye will look different to observers. One eyelid may droop, or, the Brain Aneurysm Foundation reports, one or both pupils may dilate.
Neck Pain
Symptoms of an aneurysm depend on what brain structure the ballooning aneurysm is pressing. According to the National Institutes of Health, some brain aneurysms show no visual symptoms, instead leading to neck pain or a sensation of stiffness in the neck.
Numbness or Weakness on One Side of the Face
In severe cases, a growing aneurysm may cause the patient to lose feeling or motor control over one side of their face. This is more commonly a symptom of stroke, but the Mayo Clinic has reported that some patients with unruptured aneurysms can also experience facial weakness, numbness or paralysis.
