Brain Aneurysms
According to the Brain Aneurysm Foundation, a brain aneurysm ruptures every 18 minutes in the United States. Ruptured brain aneurysms are fatal in about 40% of all cases; therefore, it is extremely important to understand the risk factors and symptoms.
Brain Aneurysm Symptoms
While most non-ruptured brain aneurysms cause no symptoms, individuals with large brain aneurysms that have not yet ruptured may experience severe localized headaches, blurred vision, changes in speech and neck pain, depending on the size and location of an aneurysm.
The following symptoms of a ruptured brain aneurysm often come on quickly. Individuals experiencing these symptoms should seek medical attention immediately:
- Sudden severe headache that is different from previous headaches
- Loss of consciousness or severe sleepiness
- Stiff neck
- Sudden, blurred or double vision
- Sudden pain, above or behind the eye, or difficulty seeing
- Sudden changes in mental status or awareness
- Sudden trouble walking or dizziness
- Drooping eyelid
- Seizures