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Aneurysm

An aneurysm is a bulge in a blood vessel caused by a weakness in the blood vessel wall, usually where it branches.

As blood passes through the weakened blood vessel, the blood pressure causes a small area to bulge outwards like a balloon.

Aneurysms can develop in any blood vessel in the body, but the 2 most common places are:

  • the artery that transports blood away from the heart to the rest of the body (the abdominal aorta)
  • the brain

This topic is about brain aneurysms.

There's a separate topic about abdominal aortic aneurysm.

About brain aneurysms

The medical term for an aneurysm that develops inside the brain is an intracranial or cerebral aneurysm.

Most brain aneurysms only cause noticeable symptoms if they burst (rupture).

This leads to an extremely serious condition known as a subarachnoid haemorrhage, where bleeding caused by the ruptured aneurysm can cause extensive brain damage and symptoms.

Symptoms include:

  • a sudden agonising headache – it's been described as a "thunderclap headache", similar to a sudden hit on the head, resulting in a blinding pain unlike anything experienced before
  • a stiff neck
  • sickness and vomiting
  • pain on looking at light

About 3 in 5 people who have a subarachnoid haemorrhage die within 2 weeks.

Half of those who survive are left with severe brain damage and disability.

Find out more about the symptoms of a brain aneurysm

A ruptured brain aneurysm is a medical emergency.

If you think someone has had a brain haemorrhage that could be caused by a ruptured aneurysm, call 999 immediately and ask for an ambulance.

How brain aneurysms are treated

If a brain aneurysm is detected before it ruptures, treatment may be recommended to prevent it rupturing in future.

Most aneurysms do not rupture, so treatment is only carried out if the risk of a rupture is particularly high.

Factors that affect whether treatment is recommended include your age, the size and position of the aneurysm, your family medical history, and any other health conditions you have.

If treatment is recommended, this usually involves either filling the aneurysm with tiny metal coils or an open operation to seal it shut with a tiny metal clip.

If your risk of a rupture is low, you'll have regular check-ups to monitor your aneurysm.

You may also be given medicine to reduce your blood pressure and advice about ways you can reduce your chances of a rupture, such as stopping smoking if you smoke.

The same techniques used to prevent ruptures are also used to treat brain aneurysms that have already ruptured.

Why brain aneurysms develop

Exactly what causes the wall of affected blood vessels to weaken is still unclear, although risk factors have been identified.

These include: 

  • smoking
  • high blood pressure
  • a family history of brain aneurysms

In some cases, an aneurysm may develop because there was a weakness in the walls of the blood vessels at birth.

Who's affected

It's difficult to estimate exactly how many people are affected by brain aneurysms because they usually cause no symptoms and pass undetected.

Some experts believe it could be as high as 1 in 20 people, while others think the figure is much lower at around 1 in 100 people.

The number of aneurysms that actually rupture is much smaller. Only around 1 in 12,500 people have a ruptured brain aneurysm in England each year.

Brain aneurysms can develop in anyone at any age, but are more common in people over the age of 40.

Women tend to be affected more commonly than men.

Preventing brain aneurysms

The best way to prevent getting an aneurysm, or reduce the risk of an aneurysm growing bigger and possibly rupturing, is to avoid activities that could damage your blood vessels.

These include:

  • smoking
  • eating a high-fat diet
  • not controlling high blood pressure
  • being overweight or obese

Find out more about preventing aneurysms

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701 public posts

Migraines / aneurysm

Migraines since childhood , finally got referred to specialist , routine mri uncovered large basilar tip aneurysm , had coil and stent surgery , since coming off one of the two blood thinners I have developed kaleidoscope vision which I’ve never had before unexplainable that my “ordinary migraine “ have
Migraines since childhood , finally got referred to specialist , routine mri uncovered large basilar tip aneurysm , had coil and stent surgery , since coming off one of the two blood thinners I have developed kaleidoscope vision which I’ve never had before unexplainable that my “ordinary migraine “ have
Sparkleboo
in Headway

Brain aneurysm

I'm so sorry to hear this and I know you pain my fiance is in icu due to a anorisam the ruptured and we don't know his futer he is in a coma that their trying to wake him up out off but not replying to commands that gave him 5 % chance before surgery witch he made it through but now their saying he's
I'm so sorry to hear this and I know you pain my fiance is in icu due to a anorisam the ruptured and we don't know his futer he is in a coma that their trying to wake him up out off but not replying to commands that gave him 5 % chance before surgery witch he made it through but now their saying he's
Kmarler
in Headway

Backwards step in ruptured brain aneurysm

Hi it’s one month and four days after my best friend was treated for a ruptured brain aneurysm. The hospital coiled the ruptured aneurysm and also coiled an intact aneurysm.
Hi it’s one month and four days after my best friend was treated for a ruptured brain aneurysm. The hospital coiled the ruptured aneurysm and also coiled an intact aneurysm.
FS12
in Headway
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Brain Aneurysm Recovery

Hi everyone, I made a post on here about a month ago regarding my father who suffered a ruptured brain aneurysm alongside small strokes and seizures on the left side of his brain shortly after. A month ago, he was pretty much out of it and would barely even open his eyes.
Hi everyone, I made a post on here about a month ago regarding my father who suffered a ruptured brain aneurysm alongside small strokes and seizures on the left side of his brain shortly after. A month ago, he was pretty much out of it and would barely even open his eyes.
butterflybee1218
in Headway

Never give up hope

My aneurysm was very large and pressing on my brain stem, I was limited to surviving up to five years, this was my prognosis as there was nothing they could do, and safer to leave alone, however my report from last scan shows my large aneurysm has actually shrunk,and does not appear to be filling with
My aneurysm was very large and pressing on my brain stem, I was limited to surviving up to five years, this was my prognosis as there was nothing they could do, and safer to leave alone, however my report from last scan shows my large aneurysm has actually shrunk,and does not appear to be filling with
Alibongo60
in Brain Aneurysm Support

Aortic Aneurysm

I have just been diagnosed with a 5.4cm abdominal aortic aneurysm. What are the implications of this?
I have just been diagnosed with a 5.4cm abdominal aortic aneurysm. What are the implications of this?
Stlucas
in British Heart Foundation

I am so scared I am about to die

I had this weird right feeling in side of face right in front of my ear and now my body feel tingly at I having a brain aneurysm or something I’m so scared my face is tingling on side I’m only 17 I’m scared
I had this weird right feeling in side of face right in front of my ear and now my body feel tingly at I having a brain aneurysm or something I’m so scared my face is tingling on side I’m only 17 I’m scared
Zhiyah1012
in Anxiety Support

AVR and Root Surgery

I require surgery to replace a stenotic Bicuspid Valve and to replace the root and ascending aorta due to aneurysm. I'm thinking of a mechanical On-X Valve what realistically is life expectancy after this procedure. The surgeon seemed very confident its for life (I'm 49) and a bit scared.
I require surgery to replace a stenotic Bicuspid Valve and to replace the root and ascending aorta due to aneurysm. I'm thinking of a mechanical On-X Valve what realistically is life expectancy after this procedure. The surgeon seemed very confident its for life (I'm 49) and a bit scared.
JannerJohn
in British Heart Foundation

In the first group for COVID vaccination. Should I have it?

I have had a Subarachnoid haemorrhage years ago with a new aneurysm of 9mm diagnosed, Should I have it at this early stage?
I have had a Subarachnoid haemorrhage years ago with a new aneurysm of 9mm diagnosed, Should I have it at this early stage?
DawnD123
in Brain Aneurysm Support

Weaning off sedation

His had his stomach drained nothing more has been said about it although the drainage is still there, his lung is back to normal and they fixed the aneurysm on the liver.
His had his stomach drained nothing more has been said about it although the drainage is still there, his lung is back to normal and they fixed the aneurysm on the liver.
Jess0186
in ICUsteps

Bad Temper

I had a sub arachnoid Aneurysm & two mini strokes back in 2013. Apart from being numb on my left side, I have no physical issues but my mental health & temperament are awful & it seems to be getting worse. I'm really struggling atm (being stuck at home in lockdown doesn't help!)
I had a sub arachnoid Aneurysm & two mini strokes back in 2013. Apart from being numb on my left side, I have no physical issues but my mental health & temperament are awful & it seems to be getting worse. I'm really struggling atm (being stuck at home in lockdown doesn't help!)
Melly43
in Brain Aneurysm Support

Decision to be made

I have to undergo surgery to fix an aneurysm in my right Ileac artery. Due to the positioning, the consulting surgeon has said there are two options. Option 1 is to open me up across the lower abdomen and perform major surgery that way.
I have to undergo surgery to fix an aneurysm in my right Ileac artery. Due to the positioning, the consulting surgeon has said there are two options. Option 1 is to open me up across the lower abdomen and perform major surgery that way.
HuiYuan
in Kidney Disease

Covid vaccine.

I recently had a thoracic aortic aneurysm repaired and, while they were operating, they also replaced an apparently fully functioning bicuspid valve. Does that count as heart disease?
I recently had a thoracic aortic aneurysm repaired and, while they were operating, they also replaced an apparently fully functioning bicuspid valve. Does that count as heart disease?
Tickertalker
in British Heart Foundation

Can I fly

Hi I had an aneurysm 4 year's ago and a coil was put in. Can I fly now that it's been 4 year's?
Hi I had an aneurysm 4 year's ago and a coil was put in. Can I fly now that it's been 4 year's?
jammiebrian
in Brain Aneurysm Support

Adjusting after brain surgery

Just needed to ask you guys something that bugging me, after having brain surgery for a ruptured aneurysm 8 months down the line apart from memory loss,balance and coordination problems I've been getting a cant call it a head ache as such... but the top of my head esp at night feels really bruised,
Just needed to ask you guys something that bugging me, after having brain surgery for a ruptured aneurysm 8 months down the line apart from memory loss,balance and coordination problems I've been getting a cant call it a head ache as such... but the top of my head esp at night feels really bruised,
Rockyblue238
in Headway

Prolonged Disorder of Consciousness

My partner has this diagnosis and is almost 8 months post aneurysm surgery that caused a stroke then swelling needing further surgery 10 days later and a craniotomy. He has been in this state since July 12th with only tiny improvements. I need hope in a situation that feels so desperately hopeless.
My partner has this diagnosis and is almost 8 months post aneurysm surgery that caused a stroke then swelling needing further surgery 10 days later and a craniotomy. He has been in this state since July 12th with only tiny improvements. I need hope in a situation that feels so desperately hopeless.
123Bereft
in Headway

Memory Loss without Seizures

Hi My Husband has had epilepsy for over 15 years following on from an Aneurysm. He had been seizure free for approximately 7 years, he now as had a couple of small seizures. His memory has really deteriorated i am worried he may have some other reason for memory loss.
Hi My Husband has had epilepsy for over 15 years following on from an Aneurysm. He had been seizure free for approximately 7 years, he now as had a couple of small seizures. His memory has really deteriorated i am worried he may have some other reason for memory loss.
Topcat67
in Epilepsy Society

Diclofenac

I had open heart surgery last year twice to repair a Ascending Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm. I'm on Dispersible Aspirin, Bisoprolol, Artovastatin, Losartan and Omneprazole. Now I've had lower back problems on and off for years and Diclofenac always solved it in a couple of days.
I had open heart surgery last year twice to repair a Ascending Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm. I'm on Dispersible Aspirin, Bisoprolol, Artovastatin, Losartan and Omneprazole. Now I've had lower back problems on and off for years and Diclofenac always solved it in a couple of days.
cjbroon
in British Heart Foundation

Rockyblue

Just have a quick question if I may ask,I'm about 8 mths post OP due to a very large brain aneurysm, hemorrhage and a large blood clot but I'm getting pain in my head now more so than before,I wouldn't call it a headache as such it just hurts all over esp to touch or lay on and not so much the scar area
Just have a quick question if I may ask,I'm about 8 mths post OP due to a very large brain aneurysm, hemorrhage and a large blood clot but I'm getting pain in my head now more so than before,I wouldn't call it a headache as such it just hurts all over esp to touch or lay on and not so much the scar area
Rockyblue238
in Headway

Endovascular coiling at London Hospital

My GP has referred me for surgery at National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery in London for endovascular coiling for an aneurysm.
My GP has referred me for surgery at National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery in London for endovascular coiling for an aneurysm.
cheesefan
in Brain Aneurysm Support
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