A brain aneurysm occurs when one of the arteries within the brain abnormally bulges outward. It is also called a cerebral or intracranial aneurysm. A brain aneurysm can rupture and lead to a stroke, brain damage and death. To help prevent complications it is important to learn to recognize the signs and symptoms and when possible take the necessary steps to help avoid a serious situation. There are some symptoms that relate to an aneurysm that has not ruptured and others that occur after a rupture.
Considerations
According to the The American Society of Interventional and Therapeutic Neuroradiology, diagnosing this condition is difficult because there can often be no symptoms before a rupture occurs. In addition, the early signs can mimic symptoms of many other conditions. If you suspect you have a brain aneurysm, it is best to see your physician.
Signs Before a Rupture
In the early stages before a rupture occurs, you may experience some of these symptoms. Vision changes, trouble processing thoughts, difficulty with speech, unexplained and sudden behavior changes, trouble maintaining your balance, difficulty with short-term memory and feeling tired and fatigued.
Symptoms After a Rupture
If the aneurysm has ruptured, you may experience severe headaches, nausea, vomiting, stiffness or pain in the neck, trouble with your vision, sensitivity to light, pain located above and below the eye, your pupils may be dilated, and you may notice a loss of sensation in various areas of the body.
Severe Symptoms
According to the Mayo Clinic "A sudden, severe headache is the key symptom of a ruptured aneurysm. This headache is often described as the "worst headache" ever experienced." Other more severe symptoms include drooping eyelids, seizures, loss of consciousness, numbness and/or paralysis on one side of the face.
