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Symptoms
By Mayo Clinic staff
Ruptured aneurysm
A sudden, severe headache is the key symptom of a ruptured aneurysm. This headache is often described as the "worst headache" ever experienced. Common signs and symptoms of a ruptured aneurysm include:
- Sudden, extremely severe headache
- Nausea and vomiting
- Stiff neck
- Blurred or double vision
- Sensitivity to light
- Seizure
- A drooping eyelid
- Loss of consciousness
- Confusion
'Leaking' aneurysm
In some cases, an aneurysm may leak a slight amount of blood. This leaking, or sentinel bleed, is likely to cause only a sudden, extremely severe headache. This bleeding is almost always followed by a more severe rupture.
Unruptured aneurysm
An unruptured brain aneurysm may produce no symptoms, particularly if it's small. However, a large unruptured aneurysm may press on brain tissues and nerves, possibly causing:
- Pain above and behind an eye
- A dilated pupil
- Change in vision or double vision
- Numbness, weakness or paralysis of one side of the face
- A drooping eyelid
When to see a doctor
A ruptured aneurysm is a medical emergency. In about 50 percent of cases, ruptured brain aneurysms are fatal. Seek immediate medical attention if you develop a sudden, extremely severe headache.
If you're with someone who complains of a sudden, severe headache or who loses consciousness or has a seizure, call 911 or your local emergency number.
- Cerebral aneurysm fact sheet. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/cerebral_aneurysm/detail_cerebral_aneurysm.htm. Accessed April 12, 2009.
- Cerebral aneurysm. American Association of Neurological Surgeons. http://www.neurosurgerytoday.org/what/patient_e/cerebral.asp. Accessed April 12, 2009.
- Singer RJ, et al. Etiology, clinical manifestations, and diagnosis of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed April 12, 2009.
- Bendok BR, et al. Cerebral aneurysms and vascular malformations. In: Noseworthy JH, ed. Neurological Therapeutics: Principles and Practice. New York, N.Y.: Martin Dunitz; 2003.
- Singer RJ, et al. Unruptured intracranial aneurysms. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed April 9, 2009.
- Singer RJ, et al. Screening for intracranial aneurysm. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed April 9, 2009.
- Soni D. Treatment options for cerebral aneurysm. American Association of Neurological Surgery. http://www.neurosurgerytoday.org/what/patient_e/treatment.asp. Accessed April 12, 2009.
- Rabinstein AA (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. May 11, 2009.
