Overview Show
The Dangers of Brain AneurysmAneurysms can lurk without symptoms, but screening can save lives. Click here for an infographic to learn moreA brain aneurysm (AN-yoo-riz-um) is a bulge or ballooning in a blood vessel in the brain. An aneurysm often looks like a berry hanging on a stem. A brain aneurysm can leak or rupture, causing bleeding into the brain (hemorrhagic stroke). Most often, a ruptured brain aneurysm occurs in the space between the brain and the thin tissues covering the brain. This type of hemorrhagic stroke is called a subarachnoid hemorrhage. A ruptured aneurysm quickly becomes life-threatening and requires prompt medical treatment. Most brain aneurysms, however, don't rupture, create health problems or cause symptoms. Such aneurysms are often detected during tests for other conditions. Treatment for an unruptured brain aneurysm may be appropriate in some cases and may prevent a rupture in the future. Talk with your health care provider to ensure you understand the best options for your specific needs. SymptomsRuptured aneurysmA sudden, severe headache is the key symptom of a ruptured aneurysm. This headache is often described as the "worst headache" ever experienced. In addition to a severe headache, common signs and symptoms of a ruptured aneurysm include:
'Leaking' aneurysmIn some cases, an aneurysm may leak a slight amount of blood. This leaking may cause only a sudden, extremely severe headache. A more severe rupture often follows leaking. Unruptured aneurysmAn unruptured brain aneurysm may produce no symptoms, particularly if it's small. However, a larger unruptured aneurysm may press on brain tissues and nerves, possibly causing:
When to see a doctorSeek immediate medical attention if you develop a:
If you're with someone who complains of a sudden, severe headache or who loses consciousness or has a seizure, call 911 or your local emergency number. Brain aneurysms develop as a result of thinning artery walls. Aneurysms often form at forks or branches in arteries because those areas of the vessels are weaker. Although aneurysms can appear anywhere in the brain, they are most common in arteries at the base of the brain. Mayo Clinic Minute: What is an aneurysm?
An aneurysm is an abnormal bulge or ballooning in the wall of a blood vessel. "A proportion of these patients will go on to have a rupture. And the challenge with rupture is that it's unpredictable." Dr. Bernard Bendok says a ruptured aneurysm is a medical emergency that can cause life-threatening bleeding in the brain. "The typical presentation is somebody who has the worst headache of their life." Fast treatment is essential. It includes open surgery, or less-invasive options, such as sealing the ruptured artery from within the blood vessel with metal coils and/or stents. Dr. Bendok says 1 to 2 percent of the population have aneurysms, and only a small percentage of that group will experience a rupture. People who have a family history of aneurysms, have polycystic kidney disease, connective tissue disease, and people who smoke are at increased risk of rupture, and should consider screening. If a rupture happens, fast treatment can save lives. Sign up for free, and stay up to date on research advancements, health tips and current health topics, like COVID-19, plus expertise on managing health. To provide you with the most relevant and helpful information, and understand which information is beneficial, we may combine your email and website usage information with other information we have
about you. If you are a Mayo Clinic patient, this could include protected health information. If we combine this information with your protected health information, we will treat all of that information as protected health information and will only use or disclose that information as set forth in our notice of privacy practices. You may opt-out of email communications at any time by clicking on the unsubscribe link in the e-mail. CausesThe causes of most brain aneurysm are unknown, but a range of factors may increase your risk. Risk factorsA number of factors can contribute to weakness in an artery wall and increase the risk of a brain aneurysm or aneurysm rupture. Brain aneurysms are more common in adults than in children. They're also more common in women than in men. Some of these risk factors develop over time, while others are present at birth. Risk factors that develop over timeThese include:
Some types of aneurysms may occur after a head injury or from certain blood infections. Risk factors present at birthSome conditions that are present at birth can be associated with an elevated risk of developing a brain aneurysm. These include:
ComplicationsWhen a brain aneurysm ruptures, the bleeding usually lasts only a few seconds. However, the blood can cause direct damage to surrounding cells, and the bleeding can damage or kill other cells. It also increases pressure inside the skull. If the pressure becomes too high, it may disrupt the blood and oxygen supply to the brain and loss of consciousness or even death may occur. Complications that can develop after the rupture of an aneurysm include:
Does an aneurysm affect blood pressure?When a thoracic aortic aneurysm ruptures, symptoms may include: sudden and severe chest pain. sudden back pain. significant drop in blood pressure.
Can an aortic aneurysm affect blood pressure?If an aortic aneurysm bursts, or ruptures, it causes sudden, severe pain, an extreme drop in blood pressure, and signs of shock.
What are the symptoms of an unruptured aneurysm?Symptoms of an unruptured brain aneurysm can include:. visual disturbances, such as loss of vision or double vision.. pain above or around your eye.. numbness or weakness on 1 side of your face.. difficulty speaking.. headaches.. loss of balance.. difficulty concentrating or problems with short-term memory.. Are there warning signs of aneurysms?In addition to a severe headache, common signs and symptoms of a ruptured aneurysm include:. Nausea and vomiting.. Stiff neck.. Blurred or double vision.. Sensitivity to light.. Seizure.. A drooping eyelid.. Loss of consciousness.. Confusion.. |