When an aneurysm occurs, there is a very short window for receiving life-saving medical care--the Mayo Clinic notes that 50 percent of aneurysms are fatal. As a result, the desire to understand the symptoms of unruptured aneurysms is high among both the medical community and the reading public. Though the Mayo Clinic points out that many aneurysms are asymptomatic, there are many warning signs for severe aneurysm that can be spotted with a watchful eye.
Vision Disruption
According to Brain Aneurysm Resources, in 40 percent of cases, warning signs such as vision disruption are present. The Mayo Clinic notes that brain aneurysms can be preceded by a change in vision or double vision. This warning sign of an unruptured brain aneurysm may be accompanied by pain in the eye area, a dilated pupil and /or a drooping eyelid.
Face and Neck Pain
The Merck Manual names face and neck pain as potential signals of an unruptured aneurysm. Mayo Clinic researchers note that unruptured aneurysms in the brain can cause a paralysis on one side of the face, which may be accompanied by numbness or weakness of those muscles. MedlinePlus also cites neck pain as a side effect of an unruptured aneurysm, which may be caused by the aneurysm pushing against nerves.
Headaches
While Brain Aneurysm Resources points out that a ruptured aneurysm will present the worst imaginable headache, it also notes that unruptured aneurysms can cause headaches. MedlinePlus indicates that ongoing headaches can be a warning sign of the aneurysm bulging out and pushing against other structures.
Rhythmic Abdominal Pulsing
The Baylor College of Medicine notes that not all unruptured aneurysms are located in the brain, and that abdominal aortic aneurysms are indicated by a rhythmic pulsing in the abdomen, as though the heartbeat has moved south. With prompt attention, this aneurysm symptom can trigger a surgical remedy before rupture.
Sudden, Intense Pain
Just before rupture, both a cerebral and aortic aneurysm will kick out a severe pain surge, according to the Baylor College of Medicine and Brain Aneurysm Resources. This sudden, intense pain is considered by the Mayo Clinic and others as the final warning sign and a cue to seek immediate medical care for increased chances of survival.
