Brain Aneurysm Warning Signs and Symptoms
Call 9-9-5 immediately if you or a loved one is experiencing brain aneurysm symptoms. Not all symptoms may be present simultaneously but the below are the most common.
What Are the Warning Signs of a Brain Aneurysm?
When a brain aneurysm ruptures or bursts, it can lead to a type of stroke. A hemorrhagic stroke also occurs when a weak blood vessel ruptures inside the brain and bleeds. A subarachnoid hemorrhage is a type of hemorrhagic stroke. The difference is that this kind of stroke is when the surface of the brain bleeds. A subarachnoid hemorrhage threatening condition and medical emergency can cause permanent damage and time is of the essence.
Look out for the symptoms below as first responders are equipped for lifesaving procedures in emergency vehicles over a family member or friend to drive you to the hospital. It requires immediate medical care. This article is part of our guide to brain aneurysm symptoms. For a complete overview, visit, Brain Aneurysm Symptoms: A Detailed Guide to Early Signs and Warning Symptoms.
What are the Symptoms of a Brain Aneurysm?
Typically, you will experience symptoms once the blood vessel actually ruptures or becomes large enough to press up against surrounding structures in the brain. However, symptoms will depend on the size of the aneurysm, its location, and whether or not the aneurysm has ruptured.
Unruptured Brain Aneurysm Symptoms
- Numbness or weakness on one side of the face
- A drooping eyelid
- Headache
- Blurred or double vision
- Dilated pupil of one eye
- Pain behind and above one eye
Ruptured Brain Aneurysm Symptoms
- As in an unruptured brain aneurysm, blurred or double vision
- A severe, sudden headache, which patients often describe as the “worst headache of their life”
- Nausea and/or vomiting
- Stiffness in the neck
- Extreme sensitivity to light
- Seizures
- Loss of consciousness
- Drooping eyelid
- Pain above and behind the eye
- Dilated pupil
- Confusion
- Weakness or numbness
Note: If you believe someone displays symptoms of a ruptured brain aneurysm, you must seek medical assistance immediately. Timely diagnosis and treatment can improve the chances of survival and reduce severe complications due to a debilitating stroke, for example. Learn more about the key differences between an unruptured and ruptured brain aneurysm.
Understanding how to differentiate between dangerous and common headaches is the first step to getting the ideal treatment you require. Read this article if you find yourself asking "Is My Brain Aneurysm a Headache?". In some cases, these conditions may also be associated with neurological symptoms.
We provide care and treatments at our specialized brain aneurysm clinic at Supreme Vascular and Interventional Clinic in Singapore. Unruptured aneurysms seldom lead to persistent headaches, but reach out to us if you experience changes in your headache symptoms in terms of severity or frequency. Find answers to commonly asked brain aneurysm and stroke questions from our patients with Dr. Manish Taneja.
Consult a Seasoned Brain Aneurysm Specialist
With these causes and risk factors in mind, it's important to receive professional treatment and care with the right doctor for you or your loved one with a comprehensive consultation.
Your brain health is our priority. The Supreme Vascular and Interventional Clinic offers state-of-the-art care and latest treatment options with brain aneurysm specialist, Dr. Manish Taneja, in Singapore. From comprehensive screenings and accurate diagnostics to state-of-the-art interventions and surgical procedures, our brain aneurysm clinic offers a comprehensive range of services to meet your unique needs. Arrange an appointment with Dr. Manish Taneja, our brain aneurysm specialist.
Understanding Brain Aneurysm Symptoms, Risks, and Prevention
The most effective way on how to prevent brain aneurysm is to reduce the risk of a brain aneurysm is to manage controllable risk factors and maintain long-term vascular health. While not all aneurysms can be prevented, controlling blood pressure, avoiding smoking, and addressing underlying medical conditions can significantly lower the risk of aneurysm formation and rupture. To better protect your brain health, understanding symptoms is just as important as prevention. Click on the sections below to learn more about early warning signs, symptoms in women, and signs of an unruptured and ruptured brain aneurysm.
Early Symptoms of a Brain Aneurysm
Brain aneurysms can be life-threatening, and early recognition of warning signs is crucial. Not all symptoms appear at once, and some may be subtle, but knowing what to look for can save lives.
Here are some possible early symptoms of an unruptured brain aneurysm and some individuals with an unruptured aneurysm may experience one or more of the following:
- Persistent or unusual headaches, especially those that feel different from your usual headache pattern
- Pain behind or around one eye
- Visual changes, including blurred vision, double vision, or difficulty focusing
- Facial numbness, tingling, or weakness
- Neck pain or stiffness
- Dizziness or balance problems
- Difficulty concentrating or subtle cognitive changes
- A general sense that something feels neurologically “off”
These symptoms do not mean that an aneurysm is about to rupture, and most people with these complaints do not have a brain aneurysm. However, new, unexplained, or progressively worsening neurological symptoms should always be assessed, particularly when they do not respond to usual treatments.
We’ve also compiled a collection of resources to help you understand the most common symptoms, risk factors, and considerations for different populations, empowering you to take timely action.
You can also read the full list of Brain Aneurysm warning signs and symptoms.
Unruptured Brain Aneurysm Symptoms
Unruptured Brain Aneurysm Symptoms Include:
- Numbness or weakness on one side of the face
- A drooping eyelid
- Headache
- Blurred or double vision
- Dilated pupil of one eye
- Pain behind and above one eye
Find out more here about the silent but not harmless unruptured brain aneurysm symptoms.
Ruptured Brain Aneurysm Symptoms
Ruptured Brain Aneurysm Symptoms Include:
- As in an unruptured brain aneurysm, blurred or double vision
- A severe, sudden headache, which patients often
- describe as the “worst headache of their life”
- Nausea and/or vomiting
- Stiffness in the neck
- Extreme sensitivity to light
- Seizures
- Loss of consciousness
- Altered mental state or confusion
Note: If you believe someone displays symptoms of a ruptured brain aneurysm, you must seek medical assistance immediately. Timely diagnosis and treatment can improve the chances of survival and reduce severe complications due to a debilitating stroke, for example. Read more here about early and progressive ruptured brain aneurysm symptoms.
Brain Aneurysm Symptoms in Women
While there are no symptoms that occur only in women and not in men when it comes to brain aneurysms, women are approximately 2–3 times more likely than men to have an intracranial (brain) aneurysm. The difference becomes more pronounced after age 50, particularly post-menopause. Women also have a slightly higher lifetime risk of rupture.
Symptoms are determined by:
- Whether the aneurysm is ruptured or unruptured
- Its size and location
- Whether it is pressing on nearby nerves or brain tissue
Read how females have a higher risk and what are the key differences between men and women when it comes to brain aneurysms.
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.
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
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.