12 signs that may signal a brain aneurysm — Don’t ignore them

Identifying the warning signs of brain aneurysm can be challenging, yet medical professionals are trying to raise awareness of the consequences by discussing some of the symptoms of this life-threatening condition.

The Mayo Clinic states that “A brain aneurysm is a bulge or ballooning in a blood vessel in the brain. It often looks like a berry hanging on a stem.

A brain aneurysm can leak or rupture, causing bleeding into the brain (hemorrhagic stroke).

Most often a ruptured brain aneurysm occurs in the space between the brain and the thin tissues covering the brain. This type of hemorrhagic stroke is called a subarachnoid hemorrhage.”

They further list some of the most common symptoms people should be aware of such as:

• A sudden and severe headache (often described as “the worst headache of my life”)

• Blurred or double vision

• Confusion

• One dilated pupil

• One drooping eyelid

• Fainting

• Nausea/vomiting

• Pain around one eye

• Stiffness in the neck

• Sensitivity to light

• Seizures

• Weakness and/or numbness

According to the Brain Aneurysm Foundation, headaches are the first symptom of leaked or ruptured aneurysm. It doesn’t necessarily mean that a person will experience all of the symptoms, but if you do experience most, call an ambulance or have someone drive you to the hospital. Avoid driving on your own.

When a brain aneurysm leaks it’s called a sentinel bleed. The first symptom is a severe headache that starts suddenly and doesn’t stop for days. Be sure to seek medical help right away before the rupture happens.

What causes brain aneurysm to form is still unknown but doctors believe older people and women are at higher risk of developing one. Further, they say other categories who may develop one over time are heavy smokers, drug and alcohol abusers, and people with high blood pressure.

Brain aneurysm can also occur after a person experiences a head injury or certain blood infections. Some are even born with it.