A brain aneurysm is defined as an abnormal outward bulging of an artery in the brain. When a brain aneurysm bursts or ruptures, it causes bleeding into the brain, or into the space surrounding the brain called the subarachnoid space. This can lead to stroke, brain damage, and death. Brain aneurysms can affect people of all ages, but are most often seen in people between the ages of 35 and 60.
While most people with unruptured brain aneurysms have no symptoms, a little less than half of victims will experience the following signs:
Symptoms of ruptured brain aneurysms include:
Once the aneurysm has ruptured, treatment is focused on stopping the bleeding and minimizing permanent damage. There are also surgical procedures designed to prevent unruptured aneurysms.
Ten to 15 percent of all people who experience a ruptured brain aneurysm will die before they reach the hospital. More than 50 percent will die within the first 30 days of rupture. About half of all survivors experience some degree of permanent brain damage.