Brain Aneurysms: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment, and FAQs
- HBA Support
- 2 days ago
- 8 min read
A brain aneurysm (also known as a cerebral aneurysm or an intercranial aneurysm) is a bulge or ballooning in a blood vessel in the brain, caused by a weakened area in the vessel wall. Most aneurysms remain small and cause no symptoms and no problems, some can grow or rupture, leading to bleeding in the brain. A ruptured aneurysm is a medical emergency.
How Do Brain Aneurysms Form?
A brain aneurysm happens when a small area of a blood vessel in the brain becomes weak and starts to bulge out, a bit like a balloon. This often occurs where blood vessels branch off, especially near the base of the brain.
Causes and Risk Factors
Aneurysms may develop due to a combination of genetic and lifestyle factors:
High blood pressure (hypertension)
Smoking
Family history of brain aneurysms (hereditary aneurysms)
Age over 40
Female (women are more prone)
Connective tissue disorders (e.g., Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, polycystic kidney disease)
Drug use (especially stimulants like cocaine)
Heavy alcohol consumption
Head injury or trauma
Certain lifestyle factors, like smoking, a poor diet, not getting enough sleep, or feeling constantly stressed, can gently increase the risk of developing an aneurysm over time. Making small, positive changes in these areas can help support your overall brain and heart health.
It’s important to know that many people live with a brain aneurysm for years without any symptoms, some people never know they have one. They’re often found by accident during scans or tests for something completely unrelated and never cause any problems.
Most aneurysms happen at random and are called sporadic aneurysms. Some run in families (called hereditary or familial). You may be at higher risk if close relatives have been diagnosed. Research indicates that 1 in 8 people who have an aneurysm has the familial or hereditary condition. You can find more about them here.
How do I know if my brain aneurysm is hereditary?
Unfortunately there is no genetic test available at this time. If you have a strong family history, including two or more first-degree relatives, members of your close family (parents, brothers, and sisters) may also be offered an MRA or MRI scan to check for possible aneurysms too.
If you have any questions or concerns, talk to your GP about your family history and worries. Find out more about hereditary brain aneurysms here.
Symptoms of Unruptured Aneurysms
Most brain aneurysms don’t cause any symptoms and may go unnoticed for years. Ina very small number of cases, aneurysm can grow or press on nearby areas of the brain or nerves, which might lead to symptoms such as:
· Headaches
· Vision changes (double or blurry vision)
· Pain above or behind the eye
· Weakness or numbness on one side of the face
· Loss of balance
· Difficulty speaking or concentrating
· Short term memory problems
They may feel mild or easy to overlook, but it’s important to take them seriously and speak to a doctor if you notice anything unusual.
Some people describe feeling or hearing a sudden “pop” or snap in their head. This can feel alarming, and while it doesn’t always mean an aneurysm has burst, it’s a sign to get medical help right away.
Symptoms of a Ruptured Aneurysm
A ruptured aneurysm results in a subarachnoid haemorrhage (bleeding in the space around the brain) and presents suddenly. Signs include:
A sudden, intense headache—often called a “thunderclap” headache or the worst headache of your life. This type of very intense headache usually affects your whole head, although it might begin around the eyes or temples. Because it comes on so suddenly and severely, it can be mistaken for a migraine, tension headache, or sinus issue. The key difference? This headache hits like a bolt of lightning — fast, fierce and without warning.
Neck stiffness or pain
Nausea and vomiting
Sensitivity to light (photophobia)
Blurred or double vision
Seizures (Fits)
Confusion or changes in mental awareness
Sudden loss of consciousness
Difficulty speaking or understanding language
This is a medical emergency and an ambulance should be called immediately.
Are there warning signs days before an aneurysm? What are the silent symptoms of aneurysms?
Many have none. Subtle headaches or visual issues can occur in large or growing aneurysms. Some experience mild headaches or eye pain, but many ruptures occur without warning.
What can be mistaken for an aneurysm?
Some other conditions can cause similar symptoms, including:
· Migraines
· Cluster headaches
· Sinus infections
· Other blood vessel (vascular) problems
These can sometimes mimic the pain or pressure of an aneurysm, which is why it’s important to talk to a doctor if something feels different or unusually intense.
Screening - how to check for brain aneurysm
There’s currently no way, and in most cases no need, to check for an aneurysm at home. If you’re concerned because you are suffering symptoms or have a family history, speak to your GP about whether screening might be appropriate for you.
Diagnosis
Reliable diagnosis requires medical imaging. Doctors use the following tests to detect aneurysms:
CT scan: to detect bleeding in the brain
MRI/MRA: detailed images of the brain and blood vessels
Cerebral angiography: a dye-based X-ray test to visualize arteries
Treatment Options
Every aneurysm is different, and so is every person. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer—but the good news is, you don’t have to decide alone. Your medical team will guide you through the options, explain the risks and benefits, and help you choose a path that feels right for you. Whether that means careful monitoring or active treatment, the goal is the same: to protect your health and peace of mind.
For unruptured aneurysms:
Preventative surgery can carry it’s own risks so your medical team will assess your risk of rupture, usually based on your age, size and type and location of your aneurysm, and any other health conditions, and decide what treatment is best for you. They may choose the following:
Active observation and monitoring: This is sometimes called “watchful waiting” or “watch and wait” and consists of regular monitoring with scans to check for changes over time.
Lifestyle changes: Simple, positive steps—like quitting smoking and controlling blood pressure—can support long-term brain health.
Medications: Drugs to help manage blood pressure or other risk factors can also be part of your plan.
For ruptured aneurysms or unruptured ones that are high‑risk:
Surgical clipping: A small clip is placed on the aneurysm to seal it off during a traditional operation.
Endovascular Treatments: These are performed by an interventional neuroradiologist and are less invasive than surgical clipping, often done through a small incision in the groin
Endovascular coiling: This is a minimally invasive procedure threads tiny platinum coils through a catheter to fill the aneurysm which helps to form a blood clot which seals off the aneurysm.
Endovascular stenting: A small metal tube called a stent is placed inside the blood vessel across the neck of the aneurysm to act like a scaffold, helping to hold coils in place or redirect blood flow away from the aneurysm. This reduces the chance of the aneurysm growing or bleeding and is also minimally invasive.
Flow diversion: A special stent is inserted to redirect blood flow away from the aneurysm, giving it time to heal.
These procedures can prevent rupture or rebleeding and significantly improve survival rates. Every treatment holds a risk which your specialist team will talk you through. The treatment route chosen will be personalised to your aneurysm and medical needs. All methods are ‘tried and tested’ and hundreds of these procedures take place every week within the NHS.
Living With a Brain Aneurysm
Many people live with unruptured aneurysms without symptoms. Long-term health depends on:
Aneurysm size and location
Age and general health
Blood pressure and lifestyle control
Frequently asked questions about living with a brain aneurysm
Can you have a brain aneurysm and be fine?
Yes, many people live normal lives without knowing they have an aneurysm. Aneurysms can be monitored and treated if necessary and lifestyle changes can help reduce risks.
Can someone survive a brain aneurysm?
Approximately 1 in 30 people in the UK have a brain aneurysm, approximately 3%. The good news is that most brain aneurysms stay small and never cause harm, in fact most people never know they have one.
For those who know they have an unruptured aneurysm, in most cases, with the right care and lifestyle choices, people live full, healthy lives with no problems.
Only 1 in 12000 each year, approximately 5000 people, have a ruptured aneurysm, leading to a serious type of haemorrhagic stroke called a subarachnoid haemorrhage. A stroke is when blood flow to part of the brain to be disrupted, leading to damage and potentially death of brain cells. This is an extreme medical emergency and early treatment is vital. You must call 999 immediately.
Unfortunately about a third (1,700) will die and around two thirds of the survivors (2,200) will be unable to live independently, facing challenges like fatigue, movement, or memory difficulties, or speech issues— but these vary based on each individual, their treatment and rehabilitation support.
What is the most fatal aneurysm?
Only ruptured brain aneurysms can be fatal or cause long-term disability.
What is life expectancy after a brain aneurysm?
It depends on the rupture severity and the treatment. People can live normal lives post-treatment.
What drugs should be avoided with aneurysms? Can I take ibuprofen if I have an aneurysm?
NSAIDs (like ibuprofen, naproxen) should be used with caution may increase bleeding risk, especially if you're also taking blood thinners or have high blood pressure. Speak to your doctor first.
Blood thinners (such as warfarin or direct oral anticoagulants): These reduce your blood’s ability to clot, which can worsen bleeding if an aneurysm ruptures.
Always take medications exactly as prescribed. Don’t start or stop any drugs without discussing them with your doctor—especially if you’re managing an aneurysm.
Illegal stimulants (e.g., cocaine, amphetamines): These dramatically raise blood pressure and can weaken vessel walls, increasing the risk of aneurysm growth or rupture.
Does lack of sleep cause brain aneurysms?
Not directly—but regularly missing out on sleep can raise your blood pressure over time, and high blood pressure is one of the biggest risk factors for aneurysms. Getting good rest is an important part of looking after your heart and brain health.
Is walking or exercise good for a brain aneurysm?
Yes, most exercise is encouraged to ensure you stay fit and healthy if you have an unruptured or ruptured and treated aneurysm. If you have recently had treatment then please check with your medical team when it is safe to resume.
Can you drive if you have a brain aneurysm?
Generally, if the aneurysm hasn’t bled (ruptured) or if the aneurysm has bled (ruptured) and you’ve had surgery (like clipping or coiling), you do not need to tell the DVLA - unless your doctor advises it, or you still have symptoms affecting your driving .
If the aneurysm has bled (ruptured) and you haven’t had surgery after a rupture then you must inform the DVLA and stop driving until getting further medical advice.
Can you fly with a brain aneurysm?
Flying is generally considered safe if you have an unruptured aneurysm and are not experiencing symptoms but each persons risk is individual so we would suggest a discussion with your medical care provider.
If you’ve recently had treatment (like clipping or coiling), most hospitals recommend waiting around 6 weeks before flying, to allow healing. However, your medical team will give you personalised advice—you’ll also need to declare it on your travel insurance. It is safe to go through the metal detectors in the airport. They will not affect the coils.
Can you drink alcohol with a brain aneurysm?
Moderate alcohol might be safe, but excess increases risk. It’s best to limit or avoid unless advised otherwise.
Should you drink coffee if you have a brain aneurysm?
In small amounts, caffeine is generally considered safe for most people. However, having too much—especially regularly—can raise your blood pressure, which may increase the risk over time.
If you’re managing an aneurysm or high blood pressure, it’s a good idea to keep caffeine intake moderate and check with your doctor about what’s right for you.
What foods should you avoid if you have a brain aneurysm?
To help protect your blood vessels and keep your blood pressure in check you should aim to eat a heart healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy oils to support your overall vascular health:
keep salt intake low
reduce added sugars (sweet drinks, treats)
avoid too much saturated and trans fats (found in fried and processed foods)
limit alcohol
cut back on caffeine, especially in large amounts
For more information and support please got to https://www.hbasupport.org/information
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