Brain aneurysm symptoms
Symptoms vary depending on the condition of the aneurysm (unruptured, ruptured or leaking). A ruptured aneurysm is a medical emergency. Call 911 immediately.
Unruptured brain aneurysms are usually silent and don’t cause symptoms. If the aneurysm grows, it can press on nerves and tissues in your brain. This can cause:
- Dilated pupil in one eye
- Pain above and behind one eye
- Paralysis, weakness or numbness on one side of the face
- Vision changes or double vision
The main sign of a hemorrhagic stroke is a “thunderclap headache”, which many people describe as the worst headache of their life. Other symptoms include:
- Double vision
- Light sensitivity
- Nausea and vomiting
- Neck stiffness
- Seizures
- Loss of consciousness
- Cardiac arrest
Some cerebral aneurysms may start to leak before they rupture, causing a sudden severe headache. This symptom, also called a sentinel headache, is a warning sign of a major rupture. Many patients report a sentinel headache six to 20 days before a rupture.
Seek immediate medical care if you experience this type of headache, especially if you have any other aneurysm-related symptoms.