Brain Aneurism Symptoms

Brain Aneurism Symptoms

A brain aneurism, or aneurysm, is a weak, bulging area of an artery located in the brain. Brain aneurism symptoms may go unnoticed, but if it ruptures, it can be fatal. The cause can be genetic or due to hardening of the arteries. Women have a higher risk than men of developing brain aneurisms.

Unruptured brain aneurism symptoms include blurred vision, changes in speech, headaches, or neck pain. Loss of coordination, decreased concentration, fatigue, or sudden changes in behavior can also be brain aneurism symptoms. Someone with an unruptured brain aneurism may experience problems with short-term memory and thinking. Before an aneurism ruptures, the person might not experience brain aneurism symptoms.

If an aneurism ruptures, it causes bleeding into the brain. Ruptured brain aneurism symptoms include a sudden, severe headache, nausea, vomiting, dilated pupils, loss of sensation, and sensitivity to light. Ruptured brain aneurism symptoms can include loss of consciousness, seizures, or stroke.

The doctor may choose to allow a small brain aneurism to be left untreated. The doctor will weigh the risk of an aneurism rupturing against the risk of surgery. Tests, such as a CT scan or cerebral angiography, are used to locate and evaluate a brain aneurism.