A brain aneurysm happens when a weak spot in a blood vessel in the brain bulges out. Many people don’t know they have one because it doesn’t always cause symptoms. But if it grows too big, leaks, or bursts, it can lead to a serious emergency called a subarachnoid hemorrhage. This can cause brain damage, coma, or even death if not treated quickly.

Some aneurysms stay small and never cause trouble. Others press on nerves or brain tissue, leading to noticeable symptoms. That’s why knowing the signs and risk factors is important.

Signs of A Brain Aneurysm That Hasn’t Burst

Most aneurysms don’t break open, but they can still cause problems. Here are some signs of an unruptured aneurysm:

Headaches that won’t go away, even with medicine
Blurry or double-vision
Pain above or behind one eye
A drooping eyelid
Trouble speaking clearly
Numbness, weakness, or tingling on one side of the face
Trouble concentrating or remembering things

These symptoms might seem minor at first, so some people ignore them. But if an aneurysm grows or puts pressure on the brain, these signs can get worse.

Symptoms of A Ruptured Aneurysm

If a brain aneurysm bursts, it is a medical emergency. Get help right away if you or someone else experiences:

A sudden, intense headache (often called “the worst headache of your life”)
Feeling sick or throwing up
Passing out or feeling very drowsy
Seizures, even if you’ve never had one before
Blurry or double vision that worsens quickly
Extreme sensitivity to light
A stiff neck that makes it hard to move your head
Feeling confused or having trouble talking

A ruptured aneurysm can cause a stroke, brain damage, or death. The faster doctors can treat it, the better the chances of survival and recovery.

What Can Cause A Brain Aneurysm?

Several things can increase the chances of developing a brain aneurysm, including:

High blood pressure, which weakens blood vessels
Smoking, which damages artery walls
Family history of aneurysms, meaning they can run in families
Head injuries, which can weaken blood vessel walls
Drug use (like cocaine or amphetamines), which raises blood pressure
Drinking too much alcohol, which harms blood vessels
Atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), which increases pressure in the brain

Some people are also born with weak blood vessels that make aneurysms more likely. Ailments like polycystic kidney disease or connective tissue disorders can raise the risk.

How Doctors Find A Brain Aneurysm

Doctors use special imaging tests to check for aneurysms. These include:

CT scan, which quickly shows bleeding in the brain
MRI, which gives a clear picture of blood vessels
Cerebral angiography, a test that uses a dye to highlight aneurysms

If you have risk factors or unusual symptoms, a doctor might suggest one of these tests. Finding an aneurysm early can prevent a dangerous rupture.

How A Brain Aneurysm Is Treated

The treatment for a brain aneurysm particularly depends on its size, location, and risk of bursting. Choices include:

Monitoring: If the aneurysm is small and not likely to rupture, doctors may check it regularly.
Surgical Clipping: A surgeon places a tiny metal clip at the base of the aneurysm to stop blood flow.
Endovascular Coiling: A doctor places tiny coils inside the aneurysm to stop blood from entering it.
Flow Diversion: A stent is put in the blood vessel to reroute blood and help shrink the aneurysm over time.

The best treatment depends on the person’s age, health, and aneurysm type.

Ways To Lower Your Risk Of Aneurysms

Not all aneurysms can be prevented, but making healthy choices can lower the risk:

Control high blood pressure with medicine and healthy habits.
Quit smoking to keep your blood vessels strong.
Limit alcohol to protect your circulation.
Avoid drug use, especially stimulants like cocaine.
Eat a balanced diet with fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins.
Exercise regularly, which helps maintain good blood flow.
Manage stress since stress can raise blood pressure.

The Takeaway

Brain aneurysms can be silent and dangerous, so knowing the signs is key. If you have sudden headaches, vision problems, or other unusual symptoms, get medical help right away. Earlier detection and treatment can save your life.

Regular checkups, medical tests when needed, and a healthy lifestyle can reduce your chances of having a brain aneurysm.