1. How Do Brain Aneurysms Occur?

There are several factors that could cause brain aneurysms, but the precise cause isn't clear. Sometimes, the condition can present itself at birth as a result of an abnormality in the artery. Inherited disorders that can increase your risk of developing cerebral aneurysm include:

• Marfan syndrome
• Vascular Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome
• Neurofibromatosis type 1
• Pseudoxanthoma elasticum
• Polycystic kidney disease

Additional brain aneurysm risk factors include:

• History of a brain aneurysm in the immediate family
• Cigarette smoking
• Individuals over the age of 40
• Unmanaged hypertension
• Head injury or trauma
• Drug abuse

2. What Are the Common Symptoms of an Unruptured Brain Aneurysm?

Some common unruptured brain aneurysm symptoms include:

• Vision problems
• Chronic headaches
• Balance issues
• Weakness on half of the face
• Dilated pupil
• Pain above or around your eye
• Issues with short-term memory

3. What Are the Symptoms of a Ruptured Brain Aneurysm?

Here are some common signs you may be experiencing a ruptured brain aneurysm:

• Worst headache of life
• Loss of consciousness
• Double vision
• Stiff neck
• Light sensitivity
• Seizures
• Numbness or weakness in one side of the body
• Neck pain
• Eye pain
• Confusion
• Nausea and vomiting
• Difficulty speaking

4. How Can You Tell You're Having a Brain Aneurysm?

The above symptoms are tell-tale signs you may be dealing with a brain aneurysm. You should see your brain aneurysm specialist in Singapore immediately if you experience the following warning signs and symptoms in addition to the ones mentioned above:

• You experience a severe headache that's not normal compared to past headaches (thunder clap headaches).
• You suddenly lose consciousness.
• You experience a seizure.

5. What Does a Brain Aneurysm Feel Like?

Brain aneurysms often go unnoticed until they grow over time and exert pressure on nearby nerves. The exerted pressure can cause pain behind the eye, vision problems, or numbness on one side of the face. Even then, the symptoms are often mild and can be mistaken for other conditions. In fact, most people with an unruptured brain aneurysm may not know they have the condition until it's discovered using imaging tests done for unrelated conditions.

6. How Long Does a Brain Aneurysm Last?

A brain aneurysm can last a lifetime and without symptoms if it remains unruptured. However, in the event it ruptures, the impacts are instantaneous. For example, you'll experience a sudden severe headache in just a matter of seconds. The consequences of the rupture, such as stroke or brain damage, can last for weeks, months, or years, depending on the effectiveness of the treatment.

7. How Fast Do Brain Aneurysms Grow?

It may take a week or several years for brain aneurysms to grow. Some brain aneurysms do not grow at all. Growth often increases the risk of rupture, which can be fatal. As a result, continuous monitoring is important. The frequency of monitoring depends on various factors such as the size, location and rate of growth of the aneurysm.

8. How Is Brain Aneurysm Diagnosed?

Tests that aid in brain aneurysm detection include:

• CT scan
• MRI/MRA
• Cerebral angiography
• Lumbar puncture

9. Can an Eye Exam Detect a Brain Aneurysm?

Eye exams are so much more than gauging visual acuity. A comprehensive eye exam can detect elevated pressure within the brain indicated by a swollen optic nerve or bleeding in the retina. Once your optician notices these symptoms, they will advise you on what to do next.

10. Is a Brain Aneurysm a Stroke?

While a brain aneurysm and a stroke have many similarities, significant differences exist between these serious conditions, as highlighted below:

• A stroke is caused by a ruptured blood vessel in the brain, while an aneurysm is caused by a weak artery wall.
• An aneurysm is not a stroke but can cause one in case it ruptures.
• Treatment of a stroke involves medication to dissolve the clot or surgery to remove the blood clot. In contrast, treatment in a brain aneurysm clinic in Singapore involves repairing the blood vessel via surgery.

Experience Compassionate and Comprehensive Brain Aneurysm Treatment in Singapore

Learning the symptoms, detection, and diagnosis of brain aneurysm is important for prompt intervention and effective treatment. For many patients, understanding the journey from diagnosis to treatment and recovery may help reduce uncertainty after a brain aneurysm is discovered.

At the Supreme Vascular and Interventional Clinic, Dr. Manish Taneja provides comprehensive care for brain aneurysms using minimally invasive treatment options. Our clinic state-of-the-art techniques and advanced diagnostic tools to increase your chances of attaining full recovery. For more information about brain aneurysm treatment in Singapore, you can review our brain aneurysm resources or contact us today to schedule an appointment.

Brain Aneurysm Resources

Discover brain aneurysm resources that go beyond the basics designed for patients. Understand the meaning of  a brain aneurysm condition, the causes, symptoms, signs, and more. Connect with your brain health.

Brain Aneurysm Coiling and Stent

Types of Brain Aneurysm Headaches

Put Brain Aneurysm on Your Health Radar

Did you experience the worst headache of your life? Thoughts could be racing through your mind. A brain aneurysm is a weak spot in a blood vessel in the brain that can change over time. The key concern is when an aneurysm ruptures, which can disrupt blood flow, affect brain tissue, and lead to serious brain damage. Controllable conditions like high blood pressure can increase this risk and treatment options can depend on the condition. Surgical clipping is one option that prevents blood from entering the weakened area. In many cases, minimally invasive treatments can also be used to restore normal blood flow and reduce risk. We have created structured guides to help you explore each stage in more detail:

Other Health Conditions

Venous Diseases (Varicose Veins)

The Supreme Vascular and Interventional Clinic is your "go-to" facility for various neurointerventional / stroke conditions and treatments. To arrange an appointment with Dr. Manish Taneja, our neurointervention specialist, contact us. You can also call us at (+65) 6904 8084 for a consultation.