Brain aneurysms don’t look the same for everyone. Men may notice sudden, intense symptoms earlier in life, while women’s signs can be more subtle and easily overlooked. At the Supreme Vascular and Interventional Clinic in Singapore, our specialized brain aneurysm clinic in Singapore, we help patients spot warning signs and gain the proper and personalized care when it matters most.

Introduction

Hearing the words “brain aneurysm” can feel overwhelming. It’s natural to worry, but knowledge is power. A brain aneurysm happens when a blood vessel in the brain develops a weak spot, creating a small bulge. Not everyone with an aneurysm will experience problems, but being aware of the risks and differences between men and women can make all the difference in early detection and timely care.

Prevalence and Risk Factors

Women are more likely to develop brain aneurysms, particularly after the age of 40. Hormonal changes, especially after menopause, may make blood vessels more vulnerable. Women are also slightly more likely to have more than one aneurysm. In Asian populations, the overall prevalence of aneurysms is 3.5%. Women specifically are much more likely to develop the condition, with 4.5% of them doing so compared to 2.6% of men. This change in prevalence between the two sexes becomes more significant after the age of 55, with women reaching their highest risk in their 60s.

Men, on the other hand, are less likely to develop aneurysms overall, but when they do, they tend to rupture at a younger age. Lifestyle factors such as smoking, high blood pressure, and heavy alcohol use play a big role in raising risk.

Studies indicate that men tend to experience brain aneurysm ruptures at a younger age than women. In a study of 1,256 patients, the mean age at rupture was 51.6 years for men, compared to 55.2 years for women, showing that men experience rupture earlier on average (PLOS). Similarly, another study found that the average age of patients with ruptured aneurysms was 56 years, with men presenting at a significantly younger age of 53 years compared to 59 years for women. Research focusing specifically on young adults also highlighted that male patients in their 20s to 30s were more frequently affected, often linked to risk factors such as smoking and hypertension.

In short, women need to stay especially mindful in midlife and beyond, while men may need to be extra proactive earlier in life.

Brain Aneurysm Symptoms: How They May Show Up Differently

Most aneurysms stay quiet until they rupture. But if warning signs appear, they don’t always look the same.

In men, a sudden, intense headache, vision problems, or weakness may be the most obvious red flags. In women, symptoms can sometimes be more subtle, such as nausea, dizziness, or neck pain. Because these are easier to brush off, diagnosis may be delayed. According to findings in stroke care, women are more likely to exhibit non-traditional symptoms, potentially leading to longer waiting times and delayed treatment.

If you or someone you love experiences a sudden, severe headache unlike anything felt before, it is important to seek emergency care right away. Read more in our other informative article about the warning signs and symptoms of a brain aneurysm.

Diagnosis and Detection

Doctors can detect aneurysms with brain imaging such as CT scans, MRIs, or angiograms.

In men, aneurysms can be diagnosed after a dramatic episode, or when a scan is done for another health concern. In women, doctors may be likely to suggest imaging due to higher prevalence or family history, but subtle symptoms can still cause delays in diagnosis.

The key takeaway is this: if there’s a family history or ongoing concerns, it is worth asking your doctor about screening.

Brain Aneurysm Treatment and Outcomes

Treatments are available to prevent rupture and protect the brain. These include procedures like endovascular coiling or surgical clipping to safely close off the aneurysm.

There are three common endovascular techniques for brain aneurysm treatment:

1. Coiling. A tiny platinum coil is placed inside the aneurysm to block blood flow and stabilize the aneurysm, preventing rupture. Coiling is the most common procedure.
2. Flow diverters. A tubular stent is used to redirect blood flow past the aneurysm.
3. Stent-assisted coiling. This combines the two and is used for wide-neck aneurysms that can’t be blocked by coils alone.

Compared to open surgery, endovascular treatment offers less trauma and faster recovery. Some areas also can’t be safely accessed by open surgery. For women, because aneurysms often appear later in life and can be multiple, recovery may take more time and support. Recovery is not just medical, it is emotional. Having a caring support system and the right specialists can make a big difference in long-term wellbeing.

Prevention and Lifestyle Tips

For everyone:

• Keep blood pressure under control

• Quit smoking and limit alcohol

• Eat a balanced diet and stay active

• If you have a family history, consider getting screened

For women: Stay mindful of changes during and after menopause. Talk with your doctor about how hormones may affect your vascular health. 

For men: Do not ignore headaches or sudden changes in vision or coordination, even if they seem minor. Early care can save lives. Discover more in our blog post about the most frequently asked questions on Brain Aneurysm Prevention.

Reach Out to Our Specialized Brain Aneurysm Clinic in Singapore

Brain aneurysms can sound frightening, but knowing the differences between men and women helps us take the right steps at the right time. Women are more likely to develop aneurysms later in life, while men face rupture at younger ages compared to women. Both can benefit from greater awareness, early diagnosis, and timely treatment.

If you have concerns, for yourself or a loved one, you do not have to face them alone. Reach out to Dr. Manish Taneja to ask about screening, and take proactive steps today. 

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.