Customer question:
What causes the development of a brain aneurysm? Anonymous customer's question
Pharmacist's answer:
Cerebral aneurysms usually develop from a weak point in the wall of a blood vessel in the brain.
Several different factors, including genetics, high blood pressure, head injury, certain diseases and conditions, smoking, drug use, and age, can cause this weak spot. Read more about aneurysms in general.
How do we identify a brain aneurysm? How do early signs appear?
Early signs of a brain aneurysm may be subtle or may not appear until the aneurysm ruptures or presses on nearby structures in the brain.
However, there are some symptoms to watch out for:
- Headache: severe and sudden pain in the head area can be one of the first signs of an aneurysm, especially if it is unusual and occurs suddenly,
- Ocular symptoms: an aneurysm pressing on surrounding nerves may cause double vision, blurred vision, or a restricted field of vision,
- Nausea and vomiting: An aneurysm can put pressure on brain tissue or irritate the meninges, which can cause nausea and vomiting.
- Numbness or weakness: An aneurysm can press on nearby nerves or brain structures, which can cause numbness, weakness, or tingling in the face, arms, or legs.
- Photophobia: sensitivity to light can be a sign of irritation of the meninges due to a ruptured aneurysm.
- Brief loss of consciousness: A ruptured aneurysm can cause a sudden loss of consciousness, sometimes syncope or fainting.
Interesting reading: Aneurysm symptoms
Interesting reading: Abdominal-aortic-aneurysm
