Aneurysm is the term for a bulging blood vessel in the brain. If the vessel leaks or ruptures, it can cause bleeding, which is known as a hemorrhagic stroke. Brain aneurysms on their own are common, and tend to be negligible since they don’t cause symptoms or health issues, and never rupture. However, a ruptured aneurysm is a medical emergency, and knowing the signs can prevent permanent brain damage and death.
Symptoms of a ruptured aneurysm
- A sudden and severe headache (often described as “the worst headache of my life”)
- Blurred or double vision
- Confusion
- One dilated pupil
- One drooping eyelid
- Fainting
- Nausea/vomiting
- Pain around one eye
- Stiffness in the neck
- Sensitivity to light
- Seizures
- Weakness and/or numbness
“The worst headache of my life”
Headaches are typically the first and foremost symptom, according to the Brain Aneurysm Foundation. Keep in mind, not everyone experiences all of the signs. However, headaches, nausea, stiff neck, blurred vision, and sensitivity to light are the most common. If you experience them, call an ambulance instead of having someone drive you to the hospital. Ruptured aneurysms are high-stress situations where time is of the essence, and first responders may need to begin life-saving procedures before the patient could reach the hospital.
Symptoms of a ‘leaking’ aneurysm
Sometimes an aneurysm doesn’t rupture all at one. Rather, it begins leaking small amounts of blood for a few days or weeks before the full rupture. This is called a sentinel bleed. The primary symptom is an extremely painful headache that begins suddenly and continues for a few days and up to a couple ofweeks. In any event, seek prompt medical attention before the rupture can occur.
What about unruptured aneurysms?
Aneurysms on their own typically don’t cause any symptoms. They tend to be small and only discovered during screenings for other health conditions. However, sometimes unruptured aneurysms can enlarge and press on nerves in the brain. People can experience the following signs as a result, and if they do, they should seek immediate medical attention.
Symptoms of an unruptured aneurysm
- Blurred or double vision
- Pain around one eye
- One drooping eyelid
- One dilated pupil
- Weakness and/or numbness
- Changes in headache patterns*
*Unruptured aneurysms don’t generally lead to chronic headaches. However, individuals with chronic headaches may experience changes to their frequency or intensity. People in that situation should contact their healthcare provider. But keep in mind, many cases of unruptured aneurysms require no treatment, depending on the circumstances. In any event, it’s important to speak to a healthcare professional about your concerns.
Genetic risk factors
Aneurysms develop when the walls in the brain’s arteries grow thin and weak. Some people are born with them due to birth defects. Others are inherently prone to them, which is recognizable if they have an immediate relative with a history of brain aneurysms. Females and people over the age of 40 are more likely to get diagnosed with aneurysms.
More risk factors
Furthermore, people with certain health conditions are at a higher risk, such as: arteriovenous malformation, autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease, fibromuscular dysplasia, Marfan syndrome, and Vascular Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, according to Cleveland Clinic. Additionally, people with high blood pressure can experience weakened artery walls over time. Smoking, excessive alcohol use, and substance use (especially cocaine) can also cause this weakening.
The effects of the rupture
The bleeding from the rupture tends to be small and last only a few seconds, but the leak can greatly damage and even kill the surrounding brain cells. It can also increase pressure in the skull, which can inhibit blood flow and oxygen supply to the brain. This can rapidly cause loss of consciousness, permanent brain damage, and death, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Complications from aneurysms
Life-threatening complications can still arise after the initial rupture has been dealt with. For instance, the affected blood vessel is at risk of re-bleeding. Additionally, the blood vessels around the rupture may narrow and contract, which can cause an ischemic stroke, leading to even more cell damage and cell death. Another potential complication is hydrocephalus, which is a fluid buildup in the brain from the spinal cord. This excess of fluid can damage tissue while putting pressure on the brain.
Prevention
Brain aneurysms are not always preventable, especially when there’s a strong hereditary factor involved. However, individuals can reduce their risk through healthy lifestyle changes, explains the NHS. The two main goals are ceasing smoking and reducing high blood pressure. The latter can be achieved through a diet low in sodium and high in fruit and vegetables, limited alcohol intake, maintaining a healthy weight, regular exercise, and limited caffeine. The good news is that these guidelines apply to the prevention of many other conditions, such as heart attacks and kidney disease. So, people who want to reduce their aneurysm risk can receive many more health benefits in return.
