Cerebral Aneurysm - Symptoms
Most aneurysms go unnoticed until they rupture. In about 10 to 15 percent of cases, however, there are symptoms. Common warning signs include an enlarged pupil in one eye, a drooping eyelid, or pain above or behind the eye. Other symptoms include a headache in one specific part of the head, difficulty in walking, double vision, or numbness in the face.
- Angiography:
- A procedure in which a dye is pumped into a person's blood vessels so that X–ray photographs can show the structure of organs and tissues more clearly.
- Atherosclerosis:
- Hardening of the arteries.
- Cerebrospinal fluid:
- A clear liquid that bathes the brain and spinal column.
- Computed tomography (CT) scan:
- A procedure by which X rays are directed at a patient's body from various angles and the set of photographs thus obtained assembled by a computer program.
- Computerized axial tomography (CAT) scan:
- Another name for a computed tomography (CT) scan.
- Congenital disorder:
- A medical condition that is present at birth.
- Lumbar puncture:
- A procedure in which a long, thin needle is used to withdraw cerebrospinal fluid from a patient's spine.
- Subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH):
- Loss of blood into the subarachnoid space, the fluid-filled area that surrounds brain tissue.
Some aneurysms bleed without rupturing. In such cases, symptoms may develop gradually. They include headache, nausea, vomiting, neck pain, blackouts, ringing in the ears, dizziness, or seeing spots.
Aneurysms do not always rupture suddenly. Sometimes, they begin to ooze blood slowly. When this happens, patients may experience certain warning signs. These warning signs include headaches, nausea, vomiting, and dizziness. Unfortunately, these symptoms are easily confused with ordinary tension headaches. An individual may not realize that these are symptoms of a more serious problem.
When an aneurysm ruptures, most patients experience a sudden, extremely severe headache. The headache is often described as the worst the patient has ever had. The headache is often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and loss of consciousness. The patient may also experience a stiff neck, fever, and unusual sensitivity to light. About one-quarter of all patients experience problems that affect the nervous system, including swelling of the brain.
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