In the United States each year, Neurosurgery Today reports that approximately 30,000 people are diagnosed with a ruptured brain or cerebral aneurysm, while as much as 6 percent of Americans may have an unruptured brain aneurysm. A cerebral aneurysm is where part of a blood vessel in the brain weakens and then bulges out like a small balloon. If a brain aneurysm ruptures, it is a life threatening situation. Therefore, knowing the warning signs can make the difference in seeking treatment.
Severe Headache
Pain is one warning sign that can signal the presence and impending rupture of a brain aneurysm. Specifically, patients report several different types of pain such as the onset of a severe headache that typically is localized at the front of the head above an eye; or, concentrated pain behind one or both eyes. Additionally, some individuals describe the pain as extending to the neck, for example, they may complain of a stiff neck. Thus, one should seek immediate medical attention and/or neurological evaluation if the above description of headaches and pain is experienced with neck symptoms. A debilitating migraine-type headache frequently occurs when an aneurysm ruptures; do not wait until this point to seek medical care.
Vision Changes
A very common set of symptoms that indicates the impending rupture of a brain aneurysm involves dramatic and severe changes regarding one's vision. Examples of visual disturbances include dilated pupils, deficits in peripheral vision as well as seeing double. Another related warning sign involving sight is that of experiencing blurred vision. These sudden unexplained changes in vision in concert with the above headache symptoms should be taken seriously and checked out as soon as possible.
Facial Numbness
Depending on the location and size, an aneurysm may press upon brain tissues and affect certain nerves. As a consequence, patients usually experience numbness, weakness or loss of sensation in certain areas of the body. For example, facial signs such as a drooping eyelid, paralysis, weakness or numbness of one side of the face frequently occur. One needs to contact a physician immediately if these signs present so that an impending aneurysm rupture can be ruled out. While many small aneurysms may be asymptomatic, the Mayo Clinic specifies that half (50 percent) of ruptured brain aneurysms are fatal in their outcomes.
Neurological Signs
In certain cases, cognitive and neurological signs may be present. These may include the following: speaking difficulty, impaired thought processes, problems concentrating, balance and coordination problems as well as decreased short-term memory ability. If you or someone you know is experiencing any of the above warning signs, contact your physician. If this is not possible, go to an emergency room for evaluation as soon as possible.
