An aneurysm refers to a weakened portion of the blood vessels in the brain or heart. A small brain aneurysm typically produces no symptoms, but a larger aneurysm can cause mydriasis (dilated pupil), double vision or blurry vision, ptosis (drooping eyelid), eye pain and facial paralysis. An aneurysm can also affect one of the largest and most important vessels of the heart called the aorta. The aorta extends from the heart to the chest region and down the stomach. Typically, aortic aneurysms are asymptomatic and inadvertently found through imaging. Both brain and aortic aneurysms have specific side effects.
Aortic Dissection
An aortic aneurysm can suddenly burst without warning. This is medically known as an aortic dissection. According to the Society of Thoracic Surgeons, symptoms of an aortic dissection include severe pain that radiates from the chest to the back. Prior to the pain, there may be a popping sound that is indicative of tearing of the aorta. It can also cause stomach pain, a stroke and coldness or numbness of the legs or arms. This is a life-threatening side effect that requires immediate surgical repair.
Blood Clots
The Mayo Clinic says that aortic aneurysms increase the risk of blood clot formation. Usually, they can buildup near the weakened blood vessel, break off and move to the extremities and organs. This can lead to organ damage and peripheral ischemia, a condition in which the arms or legs do not receive enough blood flow.
Rupture, Bleeding and Vasospasm
Like an aortic aneurysm, a brain aneurysm can also rupture. The blood will leak into the brain and cause the following symptoms: severe headache, nausea, vomiting, light sensitivity and blurry vision. It can also cause convulsions, unconsciousness and confusion, says the Mayo Clinic. Like a ruptured aorta, a ruptured brain aneurysm requires surgery.
The Mayo Clinic says that patients are susceptible to re-bleeding episodes even after surgery. The leakage of blood can further damage the brain and cause the aforementioned symptoms.
Also, the ruptured blood vessels in the brain can spasm (rapidly constrict and relax in succession). This can prevent adequate amounts of blood from reaching the brain, and can subsequently lead to a stroke. Symptoms of stroke include paralysis on one side of the body, slurred speech and difficulty seeing.
Hyponatremia
A brain aneurysm can cause hyponatremia (low blood sodium levels). According to the Mayo Clinic, this can lead to brain edema (swelling) and further brain destruction. Symptoms of hyponatremia include headache, convulsions, poor appetite, loss of consciousness, coma and confusion, says MedlinePlus. Typically, doctors will give patients intravenous (through the vein) fluids to increase patients' sodium levels.
Hydrocephalus
A brain aneurysm can also block the flow of cerebrospinal (clear fluid carrying nutrients and cells) fluid in the brain and spinal cord. This can lead to hydrocephalus, a condition in which excessive amounts of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) cause increased intracranial (within the skull) pressure. Symptoms of hydrocephalus include headache and vomiting. A shunt can be placed into the brain to help drain the CSF.
