Recognizing Signs of a Brain Aneurysm: Symptoms and Actions

Prestige ER Blog Recognizing Signs of a Brain Aneurysm: Symptoms and Actions

Few things are more frightening than sudden, unexplained symptoms like a severe headache or vision changes.

Understanding the early signs of a brain aneurysm and when to go to the ER for care can make all the difference in protecting your health or the life of someone you love.

What Is a Brain Aneurysm?

A brain aneurysm is an abnormal, balloon-like weakness that creates excess pressure in the wall of a cerebral blood vessel. According to the Mayo Clinic, an estimated 6.7 million people in the U.S. have unruptured brain aneurysms that they are not aware of because they are typically asymptomatic and do not lead to serious health problems.

What Causes a Brain Aneurysm?

Brain aneurysms develop when blood vessel walls in the brain weaken. This can be caused by several factors, including:

Genetics.
High blood pressure.
Smoking.
Head injury or other trauma.
Certain infections (e.g., bacterial endocarditis).
Abnormal connections between arteries and veins (arteriovenous malformations).
Cocaine, amphetamine, or other drug use.
Age (more common in older adults).

However, some people who develop aneurysms have no known risk factors.

Early Signs of Brain Aneurysm and Symptoms to Watch For

Early warning signs may vary depending on size and location.

Common brain aneurysm symptoms to watch for, especially for those with a family or personal history or other known risk factors, may include:

Pain above or behind one eye.
Dilated pupil in one eye.
Weakness, numbness, or paralysis on one side of the face.
Vision changes (e.g., blurred or double vision).
Drooping eyelid.

Symptoms may develop gradually or suddenly. If you notice these symptoms, take them seriously and seek emergency care.

What Does a Brain Aneurysm Feel Like?

In most cases, brain aneurysms do not feel like anything. In fact, they are typically discovered during imaging tests for unrelated conditions or symptoms.

However, if it becomes large or presses on nerves, it may feel like:

Localized pain above or behind the eye.
Numbness or weakness on one side of the face.

Any of these symptoms should be treated as a medical emergency. Immediate medical care is critical to avoid rupture and its serious complications.

Recognizing an Emergency Situation

Signs of a Ruptured Brain Aneurysm

A ruptured brain aneurysm is a life-threatening medical emergency that requires immediate intervention. If you or a loved one experiences one or more of the following, call 911 or go to the ER immediately:

Sudden, severe headache.
Stiff neck.
Nausea and vomiting.
Confusion, drowsiness, or a loss of consciousness.
Blurred vision or light sensitivity.
Loss of balance or coordination.
Seizures.

How Brain Aneurysms Are Diagnosed in the ER

The board-certified physicians at Prestige ER specialize in the rapid neurological assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of brain aneurysms. All locations are equipped with advanced imaging and follow immediate transfer protocols should you need emergency surgery.

Here is how we detect brain aneurysms in the ER:

Rapid neurological assessment to determine symptom severity and mental status.
Advanced imaging (e.g., CT scan, CT angiography, MRI) to identify bleeding in the brain and pinpoint the size and location.

These tests and assessments are essential for confirming a diagnosis and guiding an appropriate and rapid treatment plan.

Brain Aneurysm Treatment Options

Medical and surgical treatment options depend on whether the brain aneurysm has ruptured and the patient’s overall health.

Medical options include:

Observation: For small, asymptomatic, and unruptured aneurysms.
Medication: To manage high blood pressure and other risk factors.
Physical, speech, and occupational therapy and rehabilitation: For those recovering from a ruptured brain aneurysm.

Surgical options include:

Endovascular coiling to block blood flow, promote clotting, and seal off the aneurysm.
Surgical clipping toprevent blood from entering and rupturing the aneurysm.
Flow diversion to divert blood flow away from large or complex aneurysms.
Pipeline embolization to encourage blood vessel reconstruction and eliminate the aneurysm.

Your emergency team will determine the safest and most effective treatment for your unique situation.

Long-Term Management After a Brain Aneurysm

If you or a loved one has suffered a brain aneurysm, ongoing care is critical. Here are long-term management tips:

Attend all follow-up imaging (MRI/CT) appointments.
Manage risk factors (e.g., high blood pressure and smoking).
Take all medications as prescribed.
Attend all physical, speech, and occupational therapy sessions.
Seek support groups or professional help for any emotional challenges (e.g., depression or anxiety).

What to Do If You Suspect a Brain Aneurysm

Immediate Actions to Take

Here is how to help someone with brain aneurysm symptoms:

Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
Stay with the person and try to keep them calm.
Do not give them anything to eat or drink.
Note the time symptoms began to help medical professionals.

Why You Should Never Wait

Never wait for brain aneurysm symptoms to pass. They could be a sign that you’ve suffered a rupture and need life-saving medical care.

Ruptured aneurysms can significantly increase your risk for:

Re-rupture and further brain bleeding.
Long-term behavioral and cognitive disabilities.
Secondary complications (e.g., vasospasm, hydrocephalus, hyponatremia) that can lead to stroke or permanent brain damage.
Stroke.
Death.

Quick action saves lives.

How to Prevent a Brain Aneurysm

Risk Factors You Can Control

While some risk factors, like age or having a family history of brain aneurysms, are beyond your control. Here are some you can control, and the lifestyle changes you can make to lower your risk: