A brain aneurysm, also called a cerebral aneurysm or intracranial aneurysm, is a bulging, weakened area in the wall of an artery in the brain. Because of the weakened spot in the artery wall, there is a risk that it will rupture. A ruptured aneurysm causes bleeding into the brain, known as a subarachnoid hemorrhage, which can be life-threatening and needs emergency medical treatment with brain aneurysm surgery. When an artery bleeds into the brain, it not only deprives brain cells and tissue of needed oxygen, it also causes pressure to build up in surrounding tissues, along with swelling and irritation, leading to various brain aneurysm symptoms.
Brain aneurysm symptoms often do not appear until an aneurysm ruptures. However, sometimes patients have symptoms prior to an actual rupture due to a small amount of blood leaking into the brain. Also, brain aneurysm symptoms can occur if the aneurysm presses on adjacent structures, such as the optic nerves. In this case, the patient can experience symptoms such as a loss of vision or double vision even if the aneurysm has not ruptured.
Brain aneurysm symptoms that may occur, particularly with a ruptured aneurysm, include:
- sudden, severe headache with nausea or vomiting
- stiff neck
- confusion or drowsiness
- eye pain, dilated pupils, sensitivity to light
- loss of balance or muscle weakness
- speech impairment
- seizures
- loss of consciousness
Treatment for brain aneurysm depends upon the patient's age and overall health, the extent of the condition, the specific brain aneurysm symptoms, the patient's tolerance for medications, and personal preferences. While emergency surgery is required in the case of a ruptured aneurysm, small aneurysms may not require immediate treatment.
Brigham and Women's Hospital provides specialized therapeutic and emergency care for patients with brain aneurysm symptoms and ruptured brain aneurysms.