Brain Aneurysm Symptoms

Brain Aneurysm Symptoms

A brain aneurysm,is a weak, bulging area of an artery located in the brain. Brain aneurysm 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 aneurysms.

Unruptured brain aneurysm 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 aneurysm symptoms. Someone with an unruptured brain aneurysm may experience problems with short-term memory and thinking. Before an aneurysm ruptures, the person might not experience brain aneurysm symptoms.

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

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