Brain Aneurysm: Signs that should not be ignored

The UK National Health Services (NHS) defines an aneurysm as a 'bulge' in a blood vessel in the brain. This is caused by a weakness in the blood vessel wall, explains the healthy body. It often appears as a berry hanging on a stem, which can leak or rupture and lead to bleeding in the brain - hemorrhagic stroke. A ruptured aneurysm can make you prone to hospitalization or death, which is why symptoms should be recognized immediately.

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According to the Mayo Clinic, a ruptured brain aneurysm is a medical emergency, wherein the aneurysm starts to leak and cause bleeding. Common symptoms include severe headache, nausea, vomiting, stiff neck, sensitivity to light, seizure, loss of consciousness and confusion.

Unruptured brain aneurysms are intact and usually cause no symptoms. Common symptoms include visual problems, pain above or around the eye, numbness or weakness on one side of your face, difficulty speaking, headaches, loss of balance and more.

A brain aneurysm can develop in any blood vessel in the body, but there are two areas that are most prone. These include: the artery that transports blood away from the heart to the rest of the body (the abdominal aorta) and the brain.

Most brain aneurysms cause noticeable signs and symptoms when the 'bulge' ruptures. The bleeding can lead to sudden headaches that can be extremely severe and painful. The NHS describes the headache as a "thunderclap headache."

"Numbness or weakness on 1 side of your face" is a common symptom of brain aneurysm, as per the NHS.

As compared to ruptured or 'leaking' aneurysm, unruptured aneurysm often causes numbness of one side of the face. However, note that not all facial numbness is caused by aneurysms. It can also be a sign of Bell's palsy, multiple sclerosis (MS), or stroke. Make sure to get a correct and complete diagnosis.

Another symptom associated with brain aneurysms is visual disturbances, such as loss of vision or double vision. This is accompanied by pain above and behind one eye or a dilated pupil.

According to the Mayo Clinic, a number of factors can influence your risk of brain aneurysms. These include: old age, cigarette smoking, high blood pressure, drug abuse, and heavy alcohol consumption. A previous head injury or certain blood infections can also increase your risk of the brain problem.