Brain aneurysm symptoms: 12 signs you need to go to the ER ASAP

One in 50 people in the United States have an undetected brain aneurysm, which is equivalent to about 6.5 million people in total. Every 18 minutes, one of these aneurysms eventually ruptures, causing death or serious consequences to those who suffer from them. For this reason, it is necessary to identify the brain aneurysm symptoms, since the survival rate is approximately 60% with prompt treatment.

Sudden headache

A headache by itself, is not a sign that something serious is happening. However, if it occurs suddenly and in an intensity that the you have not previously experienced, it could be a warning sign. Some people who have experienced this pain describe it as agonizing and associate it with a sound similar to thunder or as if they had received a sudden blow to the head.

Nausea and vomiting

Another symptom that occurs in people suffering from aneurysms is sudden nausea and vomiting, which are accompanied by a strong and sudden headache. In addition to these issues, people may experience episodes of diarrhea, which could lead to weakness, low heart rate, and dehydration, as well as an added risk of fainting.

Seizures

When an aneurysm occurs, it causes a bulge or dilation in a blood vessel in the brain, causing serious damage to that area that can lead to seizures. This type of episode is rare. However, if it occurs, especially in people who do not have this history, it is necessary to see a doctor as soon as possible.

Blurred vision is a possible sign of an aneurysm

People who have a ruptured brain aneurysm often experience damage to their vision, both before, during and after this event. Some survivors may have permanent damage. Vision is one of the senses most affected by a ruptured aneurysm, and patients also report double vision or sudden loss of sight, which is an immediate warning sign.

Droopy eyelids

Not all aneurysms have the same symptoms. In some cases, where there is no sudden rupture of the blood vessel, people report obvious symptoms such as drooping in the eyelids. In such cases, doctors recommend going to the ER immediately. In some cases, it is even possible to avoid the total rupture of the aneurysm.

Confusion could indicate aneurysm

Confusion and a feeling of lethargy are two other symptoms that will help identify if a person is suffering from a brain hemorrhage caused by a ruptured aneurysm. Try asking simple questions, engaging the person in conversation, or verifying that they are able to identify people or themselves while seeking help from an expert who can provide immediate treatment.

Loss of consciousness

In the case of aneurysms that rupture suddenly, it is common to find that people lose consciousness abruptly, either for a few minutes or permanently. It is not uncommon for victims of brain aneurysms to remain in a coma for a few weeks, or even months, some even suffering permanent sequelae in memory or vision.

Stiff neck

woman looking for symptoms of aneurysm in throat — Shutterstock

A hemorrhage in the brain caused by a ruptured aneurysm, in addition to causing a sudden and very intense headache, affects the meninges, resulting in a sensation of stiffness in the neck. This sensation is accompanied by intense pain that does not have an obvious cause.

Light sensitivity

On some occasions, the pain caused by the rupture of an aneurysm is confused with that of an intense migraine. However, a medical exam can confirm or rule out the presence of a brain aneurysm before it does any damage. According to health experts, photophobia, or extreme sensitivity to light, is a visual manifestation of compression of the optic chiasm by an undetected aneurysm.

Dilated pupils

Pupil dilates as aneurysm symptom concept — Shutterstock

If you come across a person who has a sudden headache, seizures, or reports sensitivity to light, but is still conscious, be sure to check the status of their pupils. When a brain aneurysm causes a hemorrhage, but has not yet completely ruptured, patients may have dilated pupils, in addition to other vision problems.

Numbness

Prompt attention is the main objective of knowing all the symptoms associated with cerebral aneurysms, especially because they can be confused with those of other conditions such as strokes or heart attacks. In some cases, when a brain aneurysm suddenly ruptures, symptoms such as sudden numbness on one side of the face or body also occur.

Pain in one or both eyes

Remember that not all brain aneurysms rupture, although they can cause temporary damage and mild symptoms in patients who suffer from them. Among these symptoms, pain in one or both eyes stands out, which is usually reported as a feeling of pressure above or behind this area. This also explains the more severe cases that lead to temporary or permanent vision loss in affected patients.

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