What happens when an aneurism ruptures?
When a cerebral aneurism ruptures, it usually bleeds into the area surrounding the brain (subarachnoid space) to cause a subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). This type of hemorrhage usually causes a sudden and severe headache. In severe cases it can lead to a coma or death. It may also cause: • Nausea and vomiting • Problems with vision • Neck stiffness • Loss of consciousness • Seizures SAH can itself lead to a condition called vasospasm – the abnormal constriction of arteries in the brain. Vasoplasm usually occurs a week or two after post-haemorrhage surgery. It can cause strokes or other neurological damage, often more severe than the original haemorrhage. Less commonly, an aneurism can rupture and bleed into the brain itself (intracerebral hemorrhage) which can produce a variety of symptoms depending of the size and location of the hemorrhage. How are they discovered? Unruptured cerebral aneurisms may be discovered when they cause neurological symptoms. These depend on the location and s
