Fact Sheet
Brain Aneurysm Symptoms
A brain aneurysm is a weakening in a blood vessel in the brain that leads to an abnormal balloon-like enlargement. The symptoms of a brain aneurysm can vary dramatically. It depends on whether it has ruptured.
Features
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The most common symptoms of an intact (non-ruptured) aneurysm are concentration problems, increased fatigue, problems with balance or coordination, behavior changes, perception problems, vision defects, short-term memory changes, speech changes, and critical thinking.
Identification
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If a cerebral aneurysm has ruptured, patients generally have severe head pain. This is often defined as "the worst headache" ever experienced.
Effects
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Common symptoms of a non-fatal aneurysm rupture are blurry vision, double vision, dilated pupils, lost sensation, nausea, vomiting, eye pain, light sensitivity, and neck stiffness.
Considerations
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Most people (about 60 percent) with an in tact cerebral aneurysm have no symptoms.
Warning
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Sudden death can be the first symptom of a ruptured cerebral aneurysm, but often there are other symptoms, such as seizure, severe headache or loss of consciousness.
eHow Article: Brain Aneurysm Symptoms
