Don't Overlook These Aneurysm Symptoms

ByAgkidzone Staff

Updated: Oct 25, 2024

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An aneurysm occurs when a blood vessel in the brain starts bulging due to a weakness in the vessel wall. This swollen area can leak or even burst, leading to bleeding in the brain—a life-threatening situation. Before it ruptures, an aneurysm might exist for years without detection, even though a growing one can cause various symptoms.

Severe Headache

A sudden and intense headache is often the first sign that an aneurysm might be about to rupture. This kind of pain happens when blood begins leaking from the aneurysm, known as a sentinel bleed. Usually, the aneurysm creates a small leak, but if it gets worse, a rupture may follow. Because the pain is both sudden and severe, it's a red flag that calls for immediate medical attention.

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Eye Pain and Vision Problems

If a brain aneurysm is small, unruptured, and not leaking, symptoms might not be noticeable. However, larger aneurysms can press against the brain and the nerves of the eye, leading to pain above and behind the eye, a dilated pupil, blurred or double vision, or a drooping eyelid. This pressure can also cause weakness or paralysis on one side of the face.

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Neck Pain

Along with a searing headache, neck and shoulder pain can be a telltale sign of a pending aneurysm. The nerves and muscles that wrap around the head are connected through the neck. So, a painful headache can lead to tension, resulting in neck discomfort—even if the headache is focused behind the eye. This neck pain might also come with a tingling feeling traveling from the face into the neck.

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Nausea and Vomiting

Nausea and vomiting can indicate a ruptured aneurysm and usually come on quickly, followed by more severe symptoms. When an aneurysm bursts, it increases pressure within the brain, leading to these feelings. Vomiting often accompanies other symptoms like a severe headache and stiff neck. While nausea and vomiting can stem from various health conditions, when they occur with a headache and neck stiffness, it's time to seek immediate medical care.

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Seizures

Seizures result from abnormal electrical activity in the brain. This activity determines the size, length, and severity of the seizure. Some seizures are so mild they might go unnoticed at first. More severe seizures can cause involuntary muscle spasms, shaking, jaw locking, and fainting. They can strike out of the blue and require immediate medical attention, especially for those who have never experienced one before.

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Confusion

A brain aneurysm can cause sudden confusion when the brain isn't working at full capacity. This bewildering sensation can be unsettling, particularly when it happens unexpectedly and without explanation. If someone feels inexplicably confused, they should seek help immediately, as confusion might not be evident to others but is serious for the person experiencing it.

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Fainting

Fainting, or loss of consciousness, is a sudden collapse caused by decreased blood flow and lack of oxygen to the brain. When an aneurysm occurs, a person may pass out due to the significant bleeding from the brain, which can also trigger a seizure. If the bleeding continues and isn't treated promptly, a coma can follow. Sometimes, intense pain can cause fainting by sending the body into shock.

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Light Sensitivity

Sensitivity to light, known as photophobia, describes discomfort or pain in the eyes upon exposure to light. Many conditions, like migraines, can cause this symptom. In the case of an aneurysm, sensitivity can increase as the aneurysm grows in size and might not initially be recognized as a symptom of an aneurysm.

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Fatigue

Fatigue is a feeling of extreme tiredness that can be difficult to pinpoint and use as a diagnostic tool. Blood loss is one cause of fatigue. In the case of an aneurysm, a sudden onset of severe fatigue and weakness could signal that the blood vessel is leaking and nearing rupture. While rest usually helps alleviate fatigue, if an aneurysm is the cause, extra sleep probably won't make a difference.

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Weakness

Weakness differs from tiredness or fatigue; it implies a lack of physical strength in the muscles rather than mental exhaustion. Weakness makes it hard for the body to move—effort it often can't make. This symptom can also result from pain. When an aneurysm is to blame, the weakness may intensify over time or come on suddenly.

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