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Neurologist shares 4 common brain aneurysm symptoms you ‘should not ignore’
A brain aneurysm is a serious medical emergency that can be fatal if it ruptures, so it’s important to know the symptoms.
A neurologist has shared the four signs you ‘should never ignore’ which could require immediate medical attention.
4 brain aneurysm symptoms
A brain�aneurysm is an abnormal bulge in the wall of an artery in the brain which balloons and fills with blood, MedlinePlus explains.
They often produce no symptoms until they grow in size, leak blood, or burst. However, Dr. Bing Liu says there are some things to watch out for that could indicate a brain aneurysm.
“None of these signs I’m about to tell you are specific to brain aneurysms. However, these are common signs that we do see in people with brain aneurysms,” he explained.
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1. A thunderclap headache
The first symptom is a thunderclap headache, a rare type of headache that comes on very suddenly and is extremely painful. This sign usually means the aneurysm has already ruptured or is in the process of rupturing, so it’s important to seek medical help.
2. A different kind of headache
If you start experiencing a new type of headache that you’ve never had before, that could also be a cause for concern and symbolize an aneurysm leaking or enlarging. For example, it’s lasting longer than your usual headaches and no painkillers you take are helping it.
3. A pain on one side of the face
Another symptom of a brain aneurysm to be aware of is pain on one side of the face, particularly behind the eye, which causes blurry or double vision. This is usually a sign of an enlarging cavernous carotid aneurysm.
4. Drooping of one eyelid
If you notice one eyelid suddenly drooping and see the pupil dilating in the same eye, that could signify a posterior communicating artery aneurysm.
“For smaller aneurysms, the chances of them rupturing are lower and therefore your doctors may choose to monitor them,” Liu said. “For larger aneurysms, those need to be treated.”
If a brain aneurysm bursts, symptoms can include a sudden, severe headache, nausea and vomiting, stiff neck, loss of consciousness, and signs of a�stroke, MedlinePlus reveals. You must seek emergency medical care if you notice any of them.
Dr. Bing Liu is a board-certified neurologist in Concord, North Carolina, who received his medical degree at Shanghai Jiao Tong University before completing a residency at the University of Mississippi.
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