Health's Book

Definition

An aneurysm is an abnormal widening or ballooning of a section of a blood vessel. When an aneurysm occurs in the brain, it is called a cerebral aneurysm.

Symptoms

Aneurysms usually cause no symptoms unless they rupture and cause bleeding into the brain. Often, an aneurysm is found when a CT scan or MRI is performed for another reason. Symptoms occur if the aneurysm pushes on nearby structures in the brain.

Symptoms depend on what structure the aneurysm pushes on, but may include:

* Double vision
* Loss of vision
* Headaches
* Eye pain
* Neck pain

A sudden, severe headache (often described as "the worst headache of your life") is one symptom that an aneurysm has ruptured. Other symptoms of an aneurysm rupture may include:

* Confusion, lethargy, sleepiness, or stupor
* Eyelid drooping
* Headaches with nausea or vomiting
* Muscle weakness or difficulty moving any part of the body
* Numbness or decreased sensation in any part of the body
* Seizures
* Slow, sluggish, lethargic movement
* Speech impairment
* Stiff neck (occasionally)
* Sudden onset of irritability, impulsivity, or poor temper control
* Vision changes (double vision, loss of vision)

NOTE: A ruptured aneurysm is a medical emergency. Seek immediate medical help.