What is a cerebral aneurysm?

A cerebral aneurysm is a weak spot in a blood vessel (artery) in the brain that bulges outward due to the pressure of blood flow. As it enlarges, the vessel wall becomes weaker and may eventually leak or rupture, causing bleeding in the brain (hemorrhage). When an aneurysm ruptures, it can cut off blood supply to parts of the brain, leading to a type of stroke.  A ruptured aneurysm is a medical emergency and may cause permanent brain damage or death.

Causes

The exact cause is often unknown, but several factors can contribute to aneurysm formation.

Risk Factors

You may be at higher risk if you have:

• High blood pressure (hypertension)

• Smoking habits

• Age between 40–60 years

• Female gender

• Family history of aneurysms

• Blood vessel disorders such as:

  • Fibromuscular dysplasia

  • Cerebral arteritis

  • Arterial dissection

• Brain infection or trauma

• Recreational drug use (e.g., cocaine)

Signs and Symptoms

Unruptured aneurysm. Most small, stable aneurysms cause no symptoms. Larger or growing aneurysms can press on the brain or nerves, leading to:

• Headache

• Vision problems

• Numbness or weakness in an arm or leg

• Memory or speech problems

• Seizures

Ruptured aneurysm (hemorrhagic stroke). This is life-threatening. Symptoms may include:

• Sudden, severe headache (“worst headache of life”)

• Stiff neck

• Nausea and vomiting

• Weakness or numbness in the face, arm, or leg (often one-sided)

• Drooping of the face

• Difficulty speaking or understanding speech

• Vision changes (double or blurred vision)

• Trouble walking, dizziness, or loss of balance

• Trouble swallowing

• Sensitivity to light

• Sudden confusion, fainting, or loss of consciousness
  
  

Diagnosis

Tests used to detect cerebral aneurysms include:

• CT scan

• CT angiogram (CTA) – uses contrast dye to view vessels

• Magnetic resonance angiogram (MRA) – MRI-based imaging of blood vessels

• Cerebral angiogram (DSA) – a catheter-based test with dye and X-rays (gold standard)
  
  

Treatment

Unruptured aneurysm

• Small aneurysms in low-risk areas may only need monitoring with regular imaging.

• Treatment may be recommended based on size, location, symptoms, and patient health.

Options include:

• Endovascular coiling – placing small coils inside the aneurysm to block blood flow.

• Surgical clipping – placing a clip at the base of the aneurysm to stop blood flow.

• Flow diversion – using a stent to redirect blood away from the aneurysm.
  
  

Ruptured aneurysm

• Emergency surgery or coiling is usually required immediately to reduce brain damage and prevent further bleeding.
  
  

Home Care Instructions

If your aneurysm is being monitored (not treated surgically):

• Take medicines only as prescribed.

• Follow a heart-healthy, low-salt diet (to control blood pressure).

• Avoid smoking, nicotine products, and recreational drugs.

• Limit alcohol:

  • Women: 0–1 drink/day

  • Men: 0–2 drinks/day

• Manage stress (yoga, meditation, relaxation techniques).

• Keep all follow-up appointments and imaging tests.
  
  

When to Get Emergency Help

Seek help immediately if you have:

• A sudden, severe headache with or without a stiff neck

• Seizures

• Nausea/vomiting with a severe headache

• Signs of stroke – remember BE FAST:

  • B – Balance problems, dizziness, or trouble walking

  • E – Eye problems, sudden vision loss or double vision

  • F – Face drooping or numbness

  • A – Arm weakness or numbness (usually one-sided)

  • S – Speech difficulty or slurred speech

  • T – Time to call emergency services immediately
    
    

 Do not wait for symptoms to improve. Do not drive yourself. Call local emergency number immediately.

Note: This summary is for patient education and should not replace medical advice. Always discuss concerns with your healthcare provider.