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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