An aneurysm is a weakened area in the wall of a blood vessel that can bulge and, in some cases, rupture. Many aneurysms cause no symptoms and are found incidentally, but certain warning signs require urgent attention.
Signs of an aneurysm you shouldn’t ignore:
- Sudden, severe headache
- A sudden “worst headache of your life” can be a warning sign of a ruptured brain aneurysm.
- Neck stiffness or pain
- Especially when combined with a severe headache, nausea, or sensitivity to light.
- Sudden weakness or numbness
- Particularly on one side of the body.
- Trouble speaking or understanding speech
- Difficulty communicating may occur if the brain is affected.
- Vision changes
- Blurred or double vision, loss of vision, or a drooping eyelid can be warning signs.
- Loss of balance, dizziness, or seizures
- These can occur with bleeding or pressure affecting the brain.
- Chest, back, or abdominal pain
- Depending on the location, an aneurysm in the aorta (the body’s main artery) may cause sudden, severe pain.
- A pulsing feeling or lump in the abdomen
- Sometimes seen with an abdominal aortic aneurysm.
- Shortness of breath or difficulty swallowing
- A large aneurysm may press on nearby structures.
- Sudden collapse or loss of consciousness
- This is a medical emergency.
Seek emergency help immediately if someone has:
- A sudden, explosive headache.
- New weakness, facial drooping, confusion, or speech problems.
- Sudden severe chest, back, or abdominal pain.
- Fainting or collapse.
Risk factors that can increase aneurysm risk include:
- High blood pressure.
- Smoking.
- Older age.
- Family history of aneurysms.
- Certain inherited conditions affecting blood vessels.
Many aneurysms can be monitored or treated before they become dangerous, so regular medical care is important for people with known risk factors or a family history.
