A brain aneurysm, which the National Institutes of Health (NIH) defines as a "weakened area in the wall of a blood vessel," is a serious medical condition. When it ruptures, bleeding occurs in the brain, which can irritate the brain tissue. The longer the ruptured brain aneurysm is left untreated the more severe long-term effects develop.
Subarachnoid Hemorrhage
One severe image that can arise from a brain aneurysm rupture is a subarachnoid hemorrhage, according to the NIH; this is when bleeding occurs in the subarachnoid space---between the brain and the surrounding tissue. The Mayo Clinic notes that two serious conditions can arise from a subarachnoid hemorrhage: hydrocephalus and hyponatremia. In hydrocephalus, the bleeding blocks cerebrospinal fluid from traveling between the brain and spinal cord; this results in excess brain pressure and damage to the surrounding brain tissue. With hyponatremia, the bleeding alters the blood sodium levels, which damages the hypothalamus; the change in blood sodium levels causes swelling in the brain cells, which also leads to damage.
Neurological Function Loss
A ruptured brain aneurysm can also result in a loss of essential neurological function, according to the NIH. The functional problems depend on where in the brain the aneurysm is located. Vision is one area that can be affected, resulting in double vision or loss of vision. Some brain aneurysms can also cause problems in speaking or cognitive decline, such as difficulty concentrating. The patient may also lose sensation on a part of his body.
Blood Flow Problems
Issues with blood flow in the brain can also be a long-term effect of a ruptured brain aneurysm. The Mayo Clinic states that patients are at risk of the brain aneurysm re-bleeding, either leaking or rupturing again. Another issue is a vasospasm, where the blood vessel narrows and widens; this change in the blood vessel can limit blood flow, resulting in an ischemic stroke.
