Brain Aneurysm Symptoms in Women -  What You Need to Know

Recognising the possible symptoms early and understanding when to act  can make a life-saving difference.

Many brain aneurysms don’t cause symptoms unless they grow large enough to press on nearby nerve structures or leak/rupture. For women, especially after age 40 or during midlife hormonal changes, subtle signs may appear long before a rupture occurs and being informed helps you seek care early.

Symptoms of an Unruptured Aneurysm

An unruptured brain aneurysm may not cause any noticeable symptoms, particularly if it is small. However, if it grows large or presses on nearby tissues, some women might experience:

• Pain above or behind one eye

• A dilated pupil or change in pupil size

• Double or blurred vision

• Facial numbness or weakness

• Difficulty speaking or concentrating

• Dizziness or balance changes

Even though these symptoms can be subtle and can overlap with many common conditions, persistent patterns that are new or unusual for you should always be discussed with a healthcare provider.

Symptoms of a Leaking or Ruptured Aneurysm

A leaking (or sentinel) aneurysm and a fully ruptured aneurysm are medical emergencies. Symptoms often come on suddenly and intensely, and urgent care is required. Common signs include:

Sudden, Severe Headache

Often described as the worst headache of your life, this “thunderclap” headache comes on suddenly and without warning.

Neurological Changes

• Blurred or double vision

• Sensitivity to light

• Stiff neck

• Nausea and vomiting

• Loss of consciousness or confusion

• Seizure or body weakness

These symptoms require immediate medical attention - call your local emergency number if they occur suddenly. Early intervention significantly improves outcomes.

Are Symptoms Different in Women?

There is no definitive list of brain aneurysm symptoms that are unique to women. However, women are significantly more likely than men to develop brain aneurysms, particularly later in life, and they also carry a slightly higher risk of rupture. Large population studies consistently show that women are about two to three times more likely to have a brain aneurysm than men, with risk increasing notably after menopause.

This increased vulnerability is thought to be linked to hormonal and vascular changes, especially declining oestrogen levels. Oestrogen plays a protective role in maintaining blood vessel elasticity and strength. As levels fall with age, cerebral blood vessels may become more fragile, making aneurysm formation and rupture more likely.

Because aneurysms in women are often discovered later in life, symptoms may be subtle, intermittent, or gradual rather than dramatic. Women may experience mild visual disturbances, facial numbness or pressure, persistent or unusual headaches, dizziness, or neck discomfort. These symptoms are frequently attributed to stress, fatigue, migraines, hormonal changes, or ageing, which can delay medical evaluation.

This tendency to normalise or dismiss early neurological changes makes symptom awareness especially important for women, particularly those with additional risk factors such as high blood pressure, smoking history, family history of aneurysm, or connective tissue disorders. Any new, unexplained, or worsening neurological symptom deserves attention, even if it seems minor or non-specific.

Early assessment does not mean assuming the worst - but it does allow doctors to rule out serious causes, identify aneurysms before complications occur, and guide appropriate monitoring or treatment when needed.

When to Seek Immediate Care

Seek urgent help if you experience:

• A sudden, intense headache unlike any you’ve had before

• Vision changes or double vision

• Sudden weakness, numbness, or speech difficulty

• Loss of consciousness, confusion, or seizure

These symptoms can signal a brain aneurysm leak or rupture - conditions that require rapid diagnosis and specialised care.

Visit the Supreme Vascular and Interventional Clinic, a Specialized Brain Aneurysm Clinic in Singapore

If you’re a woman experiencing persistent headaches, vision changes, or neurological symptoms - or if you have a family history of brain aneurysms-  early evaluation can save lives. We invite you to come in for an evaluation. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Manish Taneja at the Supreme Vascular & Interventional Clinic for advanced imaging, personalised assessment, and expert guidance on brain aneurysm risk and care.

Brain Aneurysm Resources

Explore our brain aneurysm resources. Understanding a brain aneurysm often involves learning across several areas.

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:

A simple (computed tomography) CT scan could be just what the doctor ordered and the first step in early detection and prevention of a brain aneurysm. Come in for an easy consultation with our brain aneurysm specialist in Singapore to be on your health radar. 

Other Health Conditions

Venous Diseases (Varicose Veins)

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