Health

Warning Signs You Should Never Ignore: The Silent Symptoms Of A Brain Aneurysm

Published on June 9, 2025

A bulging or ballooning in a brain blood vessel is called a brain aneurysm (AN-yoo-riz-um). It is sometimes referred to as an intracranial or cerebral aneurysm. A particular kind of aneurysm known as a berry or saccular aneurysm resembles a berry that is suspended from a stem.

Experts believe that blood pressure on a weak spot on the arterial wall caused by blood flow causes brain aneurysms to develop and enlarge. This may cause the brain aneurysm to enlarge. Hemorrhagic stroke is the term for brain haemorrhage that occurs when a brain aneurysm leaks or bursts.

A ruptured brain aneurysm typically occurs in the area between the brain and the thin tissues that surround it. A subarachnoid haemorrhage is the term for this kind of hemorrhagic stroke.

Aneurysms in the brain are frequent. However, the majority of brain aneurysms, particularly those that are minor, are not dangerous. The majority of brain aneurysms do not burst. Typically, they don’t result in symptoms or health issues. Brain aneurysms are frequently discovered in patients while undergoing testing for other illnesses.

An aneurysm rupture, however, can soon become life-threatening and necessitate immediate medical attention.

Some patients may benefit from treatment if their brain aneurysm hasn’t ruptured. Numerous aspects need to be taken into account. Treatment of an unruptured brain aneurysm may be advised if it is believed that the risk of treatment is less than the risk of aneurysm rupture in the future. Consult your healthcare provider about your available treatment options.

Types

saccular aneurysm. This kind of aneurysm, which resembles a berry hanging on a vine, is also referred to as a berry aneurysm. A spherical sac packed with blood emerges from the main artery or one of its branches. It typically develops on arteries around the brain’s base. The most prevalent kind of aneurysm is a berry aneurysm.

Aneurysm fusiform. The artery bulges on all sides as a result of this kind of aneurysm.

Mycotic aneurysm. An infection is the cause of this kind of aneurysm. The arterial wall may become weaker when an infection damages the brain’s arteries. An aneurysm may develop as a result.

Symptoms

The majority of unruptured brain aneurysms, particularly those that are minor, don’t show any symptoms. Imaging examinations performed for different illnesses may reveal brain aneurysms.

Aneurysm ruptures are extremely dangerous and usually result in excruciating headaches. Additionally, an unruptured aneurysm may cause pain and other symptoms if it presses against nerves or brain tissue.

Ruptured aneurysm symptoms

The most common sign of a burst aneurysm is an abrupt, intense headache. People frequently claim that this headache is the worst they have ever had.

A ruptured aneurysm can cause the following symptoms in addition to a severe headache:

Nausea and vomiting.
Stiff neck.
Blurred or double vision.
Sensitivity to light.
Seizure.
Loss of consciousness.
Confusion

‘Leaking’ aneurysm symptoms

A tiny amount of blood may occasionally leak from an aneurysm. A more serious rupture frequently occurs after this. Days or weeks before a more serious rupture, leaks may occur.

The symptoms of a leaking brain aneurysm can include a sudden, intense headache that lasts for a few days or even up to two weeks.

Unruptured aneurysm symptoms

If an unruptured brain aneurysm is minor, it may not cause any symptoms. On the other hand, brain tissues and nerves may be compressed by a larger unruptured aneurysm.

Unruptured brain aneurysm symptoms can include:

Pain above and behind one eye.
A dilated pupil.
A change in vision or double vision.
Numbness of one side of the face.
Seizures.

When to see a doctor

If you suddenly experience a very bad headache, you should get medical help immediately. Call 911 or your local emergency number if someone you’re with complains of a sudden, intense headache, loses consciousness, or has a seizure.

Causes

Thinned artery walls are the cause of brain aneurysms. Because such parts of the arteries are weaker, aneurysms frequently develop at the forks or branches. Aneurysms can occur anywhere in the brain, although they most frequently occur in the arteries that run along the base of the brain.

Risk factors

An arterial wall’s weakening can be caused by a number of things. Aneurysm rupture or brain aneurysm may be more likely as a result of certain conditions. While some of these risk factors are present from birth, others evolve over time.

Risk factors include:

Age. Aneurysms in the brain can occur at any age. However, adults between the ages of 30 and 60 are more likely to have them.

Being a woman. Women are more likely than men to get brain aneurysms.

Smoking cigarettes. Smoking increases the risk of both the formation and rupture of brain aneurysms.

Elevated blood pressure. Arteries may get weaker due to this disorder. Weakened arteries are more susceptible to aneurysm formation and rupture.

Use of drugs, especially cocaine. Blood pressure rises after using drugs. Illegal drug usage in the veins can result in infection, which can lead to an aneurysm.

Excessive drinking. Additionally, this may raise blood pressure.

Diseases of the connective tissue that are inherited, such Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. Blood vessels are weakened by these situations.

Renal polycystic disease. This hereditary disorder causes the kidneys to have fluid-filled sacs. Additionally, it could raise blood pressure.

Coarctation of the aorta is another name for a narrow aorta. The big blood channel that carries oxygen-rich blood from the heart to the body is called the aorta.

Brain AVM is another name for brain arteriovenous malformation. The brain’s veins and arteries are clogged in this disorder. Blood flow is impacted by this.

Cerebral aneurysms in the family. Having family members who have experienced a brain aneurysm increases your risk. If two or more first-degree relatives, such as a parent, sibling, or child, have experienced a brain aneurysm, this is especially true. Consult your doctor about having a brain aneurysm screening if there is a family history.

Certain blood infections or head injuries can cause some kinds of aneurysms.

Risk factors for a ruptured aneurysm

Aneurysm rupture is more likely to occur in certain situations. Among them are:

Having a large aneurysm.
Having aneurysms in certain locations.
Having an irregular shape of the aneurysm or having an outpouching on the aneurysm, called a daughter sac.
Smoking cigarettes.
Having untreated high blood pressure.

Complications

Bleeding from a ruptured brain aneurysm often stops after a few seconds. On the other hand, the blood can kill brain cells and directly harm nearby cells. Additionally, it raises intracranial pressure.

The blood and oxygen supply to the brain may be disrupted if the pressure becomes too high. There could be unconsciousness or even death.

Following an aneurysm rupture, the following complications may arise:

Bleeding again. Once an aneurysm has ruptured or leaked, it may bleed again. Rebleeding may result in further brain cell damage.

Brain’s narrated blood vessels. The brain’s blood arteries may constrict and narrow following the rupture of a brain aneurysm. We call this vasospasm. An ischaemic stroke, in which there is insufficient blood supply to brain cells, can be brought on by vasospasm. More cell loss and damage could result from this.

Hydrocephalus refers to the accumulation of fluid within the brain. A ruptured brain aneurysm typically occurs in the area between the brain and the thin tissues that surround it. The spinal fluid that envelops the brain and spinal cord may become immobile due to the blood. Consequently, an accumulation of fluid can cause tissue damage and pressure on the brain.

Shift in the salt content. The sodium balance in the blood can be upset by brain bleeding. Permanent damage and brain cell swelling might result from a reduction in blood salt levels.

Prevention

Brain aneurysms are frequently unpreventable. However, there are a few adjustments you may make to reduce your risk. If you smoke, one of them is to stop. If your blood pressure is high, you should also work with your healthcare provider to lower it. Avoid using drugs like cocaine or excessive alcohol use.

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