Ruptured Aneurysms
An aneurysm that has bled is called a ruptured aneurysm. When an aneurysm ruptures, the blood from the aneurysm usually goes into the spinal fluid in the space surrounding the brain( called the subarachnoid space); this type of bleeding is called a subarachnoid hemorrhage.
A ruptured aneurysm usually causes a sudden severe headache, often described as the“ worst headache of my life.” Other signs of rupture are nausea and vomiting, blurred or double vision, a stiff neck, and / or loss of consciousness. Should these symptoms occur, seek immediate medical attention.
Although the bleeding resulting from a rupture probably lasts only seconds, there is much that can happen as a result. For instance, the blood can destroy or damage brain cells. It can also cause the arteries to narrow erratically, a condition called vasospasm, reducing blood flow to vital areas of the brain. Vasospasm can cause an ischemic stroke( also called a cerebral infarction) if the arteries narrow to the extent that not enough blood gets to the brain tissue.
If there is a lot of blood in the spinal fluid, it can slow or block the spinal fluid’ s normal movement. This may lead to the buildup of fluid in the cavities of the brain, causing pressure on brain tissue— a condition called hydrocephalus.
People who have suffered a ruptured aneurysm may have temporary or permanent deficits. These may include vision, speech, and perception problems; memory and thinking problems; fatigue; and / or issues with balance and coordination. You can learn more about these and how to cope with them in our Treatment Recovery Guide.
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