A brain aneurysm is a bulging or weakened area in a blood vessel in the brain that may develop without causing noticeable symptoms. Many individuals may have a brain aneurysm without knowing it, as small or unruptured aneurysms often remain silent.
Understanding brain aneurysm symptoms, causes, and why a brain aneurysm goes unnoticed can help individuals recognise warning signs and seek timely medical attention.
A brain aneurysm is a bulge that forms in a weakened area of a blood vessel in or around the brain. It develops when the vessel wall becomes thin or fragile, causing it to balloon outward.
Many brain aneurysms are small and do not cause symptoms. A silent brain aneurysm may remain stable and harmless throughout an individual’s lifetime. However, in some cases, an aneurysm may enlarge over time and increase the risk of rupture.
Brain aneurysm causes are often linked to weakening of the artery wall over time. This may be due to a combination of genetic and lifestyle-related factors.
Common risk factors for brain aneurysm include:
Smoking
Excessive alcohol consumption
High blood pressure
Substance abuse
Family history of brain aneurysm (such as a parent or sibling)
Certain medical conditions may also increase the risk, including:
Marfan syndrome
Fibromuscular dysplasia
Vascular Ehlers-Danlos syndrome
Arteriovenous malformation
Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease
How do you know if you have a brain aneurysm? Most brain aneurysms do not cause symptoms, especially when they are small and unruptured. However, in some cases, a growing aneurysm may press on nearby nerves or brain structures and cause symptoms.
Possible symptoms of an unruptured brain aneurysm include:
Headache
Numbness or tingling on the face
Dilated pupil
Vision changes (blurred or double vision)
Pain above or behind the eye
Seizures
Is it possible to have a brain aneurysm without knowing? Yes, it is possible to have a brain aneurysm with no symptoms. Many people have a silent brain aneurysm that remains undetected and is only discovered incidentally during imaging tests such as a CT scan or MRI performed for other medical reasons.
This is why brain aneurysms are often described as a condition that can go unnoticed until they enlarge or rupture.
A ruptured brain aneurysm is a medical emergency that occurs when a weakened blood vessel in the brain bursts, leading to bleeding around the brain (subarachnoid haemorrhage).
Symptoms of a ruptured brain aneurysm usually appear suddenly and are often severe. Common warning signs include:
Thunderclap headache (a sudden, severe headache often described as the “worst headache of your life”)
Stiff neck
Nausea and vomiting
Blurred or double vision
Sensitivity to light
Seizures
Drooping eyelid or dilated pupil
Confusion or difficulty thinking
Weakness or numbness
Loss of consciousness
If you experience any of these symptoms, seek emergency medical attention immediately.
Can a brain aneurysm go unnoticed? Yes, in many cases, small brain aneurysms produce no symptoms and remain undetected. Many people can have a brain aneurysm without knowing it, as these aneurysms may not affect surrounding brain structures.
Even when symptoms do occur, they can be subtle and resemble more common conditions such as migraines or tension headaches, making them easy to overlook. This is why brain aneurysms are often described as a silent condition.
Certain individuals may be at higher risk of developing a brain aneurysm.
Key risk factors for brain aneurysm include:
Family history of brain aneurysms
Smoking
High blood pressure (hypertension)
Brain aneurysms are also more commonly observed in women than in men, although they can affect individuals of any gender.
Brain aneurysms are typically diagnosed using imaging tests that allow doctors to examine blood vessels in the brain.
CT scan (Computed Tomography): Often used in emergency situations to detect bleeding or a ruptured brain aneurysm
MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): Provides detailed images of the brain and is useful for detecting unruptured aneurysms
Cerebral angiogram: A more precise test in which a contrast dye is injected into blood vessels to identify the size and location of the aneurysm
A brain aneurysm becomes dangerous when there is a risk of rupture, which can lead to life-threatening bleeding in the brain.
The risk of rupture depends on factors such as the size, location, and shape of the aneurysm, as well as underlying risk factors like high blood pressure and smoking.
You may be wondering when to see a doctor for a severe headache or when a sudden headache is serious.
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
A sudden, severe headache often described as the “worst headache of your life”
Nausea or vomiting
Neck stiffness
Blurred or double vision
Loss of consciousness
Confusion or neurological symptoms
These may be signs of a ruptured brain aneurysm and require emergency care.
If you have concerns about your symptoms or risk factors for brain aneurysm, it is important to seek medical evaluation. Early assessment and appropriate imaging can help detect aneurysms and guide timely management.
At Prince Court Medical Centre, our neurologists provide comprehensive evaluation, including advanced imaging such as CT and MRI, to assess your condition and determine the most appropriate care. Get in touch with us today to book an appointment and take the next step in your care journey.
If you experience a sudden severe headache, new or worsening neurological symptoms, or any rapid changes in your condition, seek immediate care at our Accident & Emergency department.
Call +603 2160 0999 for Prince Court’s fast-response ambulance emergency number or head immediately to Prince Court’s A&E for urgent medical attention. Remember, timely care can make all the difference.Be the first in line to receive the latest updates and promotions, delivered directly to your inbox.
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