Cerebral Aneurysm

Most people with brain aneurysms do not experience any symptoms prior to the onset of the rupture. The rupture occurs suddenly. Up to 40% of the people experience ‘sentinel headaches’ days to weeks before the rupture and these are thought to be ‘warning leak symptoms’. At the time of aneurysm rupture, the following may occur:

• Sudden onset of severe headache (often described as the "worst" headache of their lives)
• Stiff neck
• Nausea and vomiting
• Vision and speech impairment
• Numbness and weakness in any part of the body
• Seizure
• Sensitivity to light
• Loss of consciousness

(Any of these symptoms are very serious, and emergency medical attention should be sought immediately.)