WARNING SIGNS YOU SHOULD NEVER IGNORE
A brain aneurysm may present with sudden, severe, or unusual symptoms that should never be brushed off.
- Sudden severe headache
- Nausea or vomiting
- Pain behind or above the eye
- Blurred or double vision
- Neck pain or stiffness
- Numbness or weakness
- Sensitivity to light
- Confusion, fainting, or loss of consciousness
EVERY 18 MINUTES A BRAIN ANEURYSM RUPTURES IN THE UNITED STATES.
WHY THIS MATTERS
Brain aneurysms do not always come with warning. They are often misunderstood, overlooked, or mistaken for something less serious until it is too late. That is why awareness matters.awareness.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is a brain aneurysm?
A brain aneurysm is a weakened area in the wall of an artery in the brain that bulges or balloons outward. Some brain aneurysms remain small and never cause symptoms, while others can grow, leak, or rupture.
Can you have a brain aneurysm without knowing it?
Yes. Many unruptured brain aneurysms do not cause symptoms and may be found during imaging done for another reason. Symptoms can occur when an aneurysm grows or presses on nearby nerves or brain tissue.
What are the warning signs of a ruptured brain aneurysm?
A ruptured brain aneurysm can cause a sudden, extremely severe headache. Other symptoms may include nausea or vomiting, a stiff neck, changes in vision, loss of consciousness, confusion, weakness, or other stroke-like symptoms.
If a rupture is suspected, call 911 immediately.
What is a thunderclap headache?
A thunderclap headache is a sudden, extremely severe headache that reaches intense pain very quickly. It is often described as the worst headache of life (WHOL) and can be associated with serious medical emergencies, including bleeding around the brain.
A sudden severe headache that is unlike your usual headaches requires immediate emergency medical attention.
Call 911 right away.
Who is at highest risk for a brain aneurysm, men or women?
Brain aneurysms are more common in women than in men, especially in adulthood.
However, sex is only one factor and does not determine whether someone will develop a brain aneurysm.
Other important risk factors can include high blood pressure, smoking, family history, age, and certain medical conditions.
What age group is most affected by brain aneurysms?
Brain aneurysms can occur at any age but are more common in adults between about ages 30 and 60.
Why is checking my blood pressure important?
High blood pressure can place extra stress on artery walls and is an important modifiable risk factor linked with the formation and rupture of brain aneurysms.
Regularly checking your blood pressure and talking with a healthcare professional about your numbers can help protect your overall brain and vascular health.
Why does knowing my A1C matter for brain health?
An A1C test does not detect a brain aneurysm. A1C measures your average blood glucose over time and is commonly used to identify or monitor diabetes.
Diabetes and uncontrolled blood sugar can affect blood vessel health and contribute to broader cardiovascular and stroke risk.
Knowing and managing your A1C and other numbers with a healthcare professional can be an important part of overall brain and vascular health. Having an elevated A1C does not mean you have or will develop a brain aneurysm.
Who may be at greater risk for a brain aneurysm?
Risk can be higher in people with factors such as high blood pressure, cigarette smoking, a family history of brain aneurysms, increasing age, being female, and certain inherited or medical conditions.
Having one or more risk factors does not mean you will develop an aneurysm, but it may be important to discuss your risk with a healthcare professional.
Does having a family history mean I should be screened?
Having close family members with brain aneurysms can increase risk, but screening decisions depend on your individual situation, including how many relatives are affected and other risk factors. Talk with a qualified healthcare professional about your family history and whether imaging or specialist evaluation may be appropriate for you.
How do I get checked for a brain aneurysm?
Brain aneurysms are generally evaluated with medical imaging, not routine blood tests. Depending on your situation, a healthcare professional may recommend imaging such as CT angiography, MR angiography, or other vascular imaging. People with a strong family history, concerning symptoms, or other significant risk factors should discuss whether imaging or referral to a specialist is appropriate.
If you experience a sudden severe headache or other symptoms that may suggest a rupture, call 911 immediately instead of scheduling routine screening.
What should I do if something does not feel normal?
Pay attention to sudden or unusual changes in how you feel. For non-emergency concerns, write down your symptoms, when they started, and any family or medical history, and share this information with a healthcare professional. Ask questions and work with them to understand your risk.
If you have symptoms that may suggest a ruptured brain aneurysm or another neurological emergency, call 911 immediately.
SOURCES & MEDICAL REFERENCES
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), Cerebral Aneurysms
- MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine
- Mayo Clinic, Brain Aneurysm: Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis and Treatment
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for medical diagnosis or treatment. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911.
WHAT TO DO IN AN EMERGENCY
If someone is showing signs of a possible brain aneurysm or rupture, act quickly.
- Call 911 immediately
- Do not wait for symptoms to pass
- Get emergency medical care right away
- Note when symptoms started, if possible
- Trust your instincts and advocate for urgent attention
ACT FAST: EVERY SECOND COUNTS
Call 911 immediately. Do not wait for symptoms to improve. Note the time they began. Seek transport by ambulance to the nearest emergency room.
JOIN THE MOVEMENT
Brain aneurysm awareness cannot stay in the background. It must be seen, shared, and taken seriously.
Help us expand awareness, share trusted information, and reach more communities so individuals and families are better equipped to recognize when something is not normal and know when to act.