A brain aneurysm or cerebral aneurysm is a ballooning or an abnormal widening in a blood vessel in the brain. According to MedlinePlus, they usually occur when the wall of a blood vessel has a weak area. It may be present from birth or it can develop later in life due to causes such as an injury to a blood vessel. MayoClinic.com says that a brain aneurysm can also rupture and lead to a brain stroke. However, most of these do not rupture and instead cause certain health effects and symptoms. According to MayoClinic.com, the effects of brain aneurysm include extreme headache, changes in vision and numbness or other symptoms.
Extreme Headache
According to MayoClinic.com, extreme headache is an effect of a brain aneurysm. MayoClinic.com says that when a brain aneurysm ruptures, it can lead to the onset of a headache. The headache occurs suddenly. It is also quite severe and extremely painful to the individual. MedlinePlus says that the pain is so severe, individuals often describe it as the worst headache of their lives.
Changes in Vision
According to MayoClinic.com, change in vision can result from a brain aneurysm. If the aneurysm has not ruptured, it can lead to a change in vision or double vision. A pain is also felt above and behind the eye. The pupils of the individual may also dilate. A drooping eyelid is another symptom of a brain aneurysm that has not ruptured. If the brain aneurysm ruptures, it can also lead to blurred vision. Loss of vision and sensitivity to light may also occur.
Numbness and Other Effects
According to MayoClinic.com, numbness is another effect of a brain aneurysm. The individual may feel numbness or weakness on one side of the face. This is the side of the face where the aneurysm may have occurred. The individual may also report paralysis or loss of movement on one side of the face. If the aneurysm ruptures, the individual may feel nauseated. Vomiting may occur. Stiffness in the neck is also reported by individuals in cases of a ruptured aneurysm in the brain. The individual may have a seizure and may lose consciousness. Mental confusion is another symptom of a ruptured brain aneurysm.
