What Are the Side Effects of a Brain Aneurism?

A brain aneurysm can rupture suddenly, often with no warning. Although it is possible to recover from an aneurysm, there may be some side effects after recovery.

Identification

• A cerebral (or brain) aneurysm occurs when there is swelling of a blood vessel wall inside the brain. These usually form where the blood vessel wall is weakest, where the arteries of the brain branch.

Significance

• One of the most significant signs that an aneurysm has ruptured is a sudden onset of a severe headache. Once it has ruptured, the blood leaks out of the blood vessel into the space around the brain. This causes pressure and damages the brain. Death may result if medical help is not immediately available.

Effects

• An aneurysm that has not ruptured may not cause any ill effects. Once it has ruptured, the risk of death is great. Patients who survive the initial rupture have a 45 percent risk of death within a month after the rupture occurred. Half of the survivors may have lasting brain damage.

Effects Of Treatment

• Many side effects are possible with medications used to treat aneurysms. These include blood-clotting problems and allergic reactions.

Effects Of Surgical Intervention

• Surgery may be performed before an aneurysm ruptures or once an aneurysm has ruptured. The operation may be complicated by infection, bleeding or a reaction to anesthesia. The brain also may sustain an injury during the surgery that has lasting effects.

Long-Term Treatment

• Many people who experience an aneurysm rupture may need ongoing treatment. This may include speech therapy, physical therapy, and occupational therapy.