A brain aneurysm is a weakened, bulging spot in a blood vessel wall within the brain. This bulge can resemble a berry hanging on a stem. While many people can have a brain aneurysm without ever knowing it, a ruptured aneurysm can lead to serious health complications or even become life-threatening. The main concern is its rupture, causing bleeding into the brain.
Recognizing a Ruptured Aneurysm
A ruptured brain aneurysm often presents with sudden, severe symptoms requiring immediate medical attention. The distinguishing symptom is an excruciating headache, often described as the “worst headache of your life.” This headache appears instantly and peaks within seconds to minutes. It differs significantly from a typical headache due to its abrupt onset and overwhelming severity.
Other signs of a ruptured aneurysm include a sudden stiff neck, nausea, and vomiting. These are common symptoms, often occurring alongside the intense headache. Some individuals also develop increased sensitivity to light.
Visual disturbances can also signal a ruptured aneurysm. Blurred or double vision may occur due to pressure on optic nerves or surrounding brain tissue. A drooping eyelid on one side of the face may also occur. More severe symptoms include confusion, sudden loss of consciousness, or seizures.
These symptoms arise from blood spilling into the space surrounding the brain, known as a subarachnoid hemorrhage. The sudden presence of blood irritates the brain’s protective layers and increases pressure within the skull. The abrupt and severe nature of these symptoms indicates a medical emergency requiring urgent intervention.
Identifying an Unruptured Aneurysm
Most brain aneurysms remain unruptured and cause no symptoms. They are often discovered incidentally during imaging scans for other conditions. However, an unruptured aneurysm can sometimes cause symptoms if it grows large enough to press on nearby nerves or brain tissue. Symptoms of an unruptured aneurysm are typically less dramatic and develop more gradually than those of a ruptured one.
If an unruptured aneurysm presses on specific areas, it might cause a persistent localized headache. Pain above or behind one eye can also be a subtle indicator, particularly if it feels distinct from a regular headache. Weakness or numbness on one side of the face may occur if the aneurysm presses on facial nerves.
Changes in vision can also suggest an unruptured aneurysm. This might include a dilated pupil in one eye or double vision. Difficulties with speech, such as slurred words, can also manifest if the aneurysm affects areas of the brain responsible for language. These symptoms are less common and often depend on the aneurysm’s size and location.
Immediate Action and Medical Evaluation
Experiencing any symptoms associated with a ruptured brain aneurysm requires immediate emergency medical attention. Call emergency services, such as 911, without delay. Rapid medical intervention can improve outcomes, as bleeding from a ruptured aneurysm can lead to severe complications. Waiting or attempting to self-diagnose can have serious consequences.
Upon arrival, emergency medical personnel will assess the situation and transport the individual to a hospital. There, medical professionals will conduct diagnostic tests to confirm a brain aneurysm and determine if it has ruptured. Common imaging techniques include a computed tomography (CT) scan, which quickly detects bleeding in the brain.
Further evaluation might involve a CT angiography or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain and its blood vessels. These tests provide detailed images of the brain’s vascular structure, helping to pinpoint the aneurysm’s location and characteristics. In some cases, a cerebral angiogram, which involves injecting dye into the blood vessels and taking X-ray images, may be performed for a more precise diagnosis. These diagnostic steps are important for guiding treatment.