What is a brain aneurysm?

A brain aneurysm is a weak or thin spot on a blood vessel in the brain that balloons out and fills with blood. It is usually located along major brain arteries that run on the underside of the brain and the base of the skull.

Who is affected by brain aneurysms?

Aneurysms can occur in all age groups but commonly between 50 to 60 years old. Women have a higher incidence of occurrence than men.

Symptoms of brain aneurysm

Most people with a brain aneurysm do not experience any symptom until it ruptures or becomes fairly large. At the time of aneurysm rupture, the following may occur:

  • Neck stiffness
  • Nausea and/or vomiting
  • Sensitivity to light
  • Sudden loss of consciousness
  • Vision and/or speech impairment
  • Seizure
  • Sudden onset of severe headache (often described as the "worst" headache of their lives
  • Numbness and/or weakness in any part of body

This health information is brought to you by the National Neuroscience Institute.​​​