A brain aneurysm occurs when the wall of a blood vessel inside the brain weakens and bulges. If a brain aneurysm ruptures, it can cause bleeding in the brain, and the condition can be very dangerous or even fatal—a ruptured brain aneurysm will need to be immediately evaluated by a medical professional and then emergency surgery will be performed by a neurosurgeon. Since a ruptured brain aneurysm is a medical emergency, it is extremely important to know the signs of a ruptured brain aneurysm so you can seek care right away. Some of the common symptoms experienced by people with a ruptured brain aneurysm include:
Severe Headache
Most people who live through a ruptured brain aneurysm experience a severe headache. A headache after an aneurysm ruptures is not just bad—most people describe it as being the worst headache that they have ever experienced. Others may equate the pain from the headache to feeling like they were hit in the head with a baseball bat. If you suddenly begin experiencing the worst head pain that you can imagine, don't ignore it and hope it goes away—seek medical attention.
Double or Blurred Vision
The sudden onset of double or blurred vision is something that should always be addressed immediately. In addition to a ruptured aneurysm, sudden double or blurred vision can also be a symptom of other serious medical conditions that require immediate treatment. In the event that you have sudden double or blurred vision along with a horrible headache, have a family member or friend take you to the closest hospital with an emergency room.
Pain Behind Eyes
Since a ruptured brain aneurysm occurs inside your head, it is not surprising that the condition can cause pain behind the eyes. It is also possible for a ruptured brain aneurysm to lead to pain above the eyes. While eye pain can be caused by other conditions, such as a sinus infection, the sudden onset of pain behind the eyes should be taken very seriously.
Stiff Neck
Many of the nerves that control your neck movement are located near the brain stem; thus, if you have a ruptured aneurysm, the bleeding will build up pressure in your brain and affect these nerves. As a result, your neck may begin to ache or feel very stiff. You may find it very difficult to turn your head or nod if you have just suffered a ruptured brain aneurysm.
To learn more, contact a medical facility like Neurosurgical Associates of San Antonio.
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