Brain Aneurysm or Hemorrhage from a Burst Blood Vessel: How Awareness Can Save Lives?

A brain hemorrhage, to a burst blood vessel in the brain (commonly called a brain aneurysm), is one of the most devastating medical emergencies, yet it is often mistaken for something as ordinary as a severe migraine or a stress-induced headache. This misjudgment can lead to dangerous delays in treatment, which is why it is often referred to as a missed condition.

What Is a Brain Aneurysm?

The Brain Aneurysm Foundation describes, a brain aneurysm can develop when a weak area in the wall of a blood vessel in the brain swells outward due to the constant pressure of blood flowing through it.

According to Dr Trimaan Singh (Consultant, Neuro-Intervention), Fortis Escort Hospital, Amritsar & Fortis Hospital, Jalandhar, “Most of these bulges remain small and harmless. But when one bursts, it causes sudden bleeding around and inside. This condition, called a brain hemorrhage, can damage brain tissue within minutes and become life-threatening if not treated quickly.”

How to identify a brain aneurysm?

The hallmark symptom of brain aneurysm internal bleeding is a sudden, extremely severe headache that patients often describe as the worst they have ever experienced.

Unlike common headaches, this strikes like a bolt of lightning, and may be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, drooping eyelids, blurred or double vision, stiff neck, or seizures.

In many cases, patients also lose consciousness suddenly. Sometimes, there may be a smaller leak before a full rupture, giving rise to a sentinel headache, which can be easily mistaken for other forms of headache.

Recognizing this early and seeking immediate medical attention could make the difference between survival and tragedy.

Also Read: Stroke or Aneurysm? Doctor Explains the Life-Saving Difference

Why Is Awareness Important?

A PMC study shows that about half of those who suffer a ruptured aneurysm die within the first 24 hours, and many others succumb to complications if left untreated, within the next three months. This shows how alarming the statistics of the challenge are.

“Survivors often face lifelong challenges such as paralysis, speech and memory problems, or reduced quality of life due to permanent brain damage,” highlights Dr Singh.

People between the ages of 30 and 60, especially women, are at greater risk. Uncontrolled high blood pressure, smoking, excessive alcohol, drug abuse, and a family history of aneurysms further raise the chances of rupture.

Talking about risk factors and prevention of brain aneurysms, Dr Singh shares, “While some risk factors like age and genetics cannot be controlled, adopting a healthy lifestyle, avoiding smoking and substance use, and maintaining normal blood pressure can help reduce risk.”

Also Read: Aortic Aneurysm: Different Types And Their Treatments

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis with imaging techniques such as CT, MRI, or cerebral angiography can identify aneurysms before they rupture. Earlier, treatment was limited to open brain surgery, where doctors placed a tiny clip on the weak blood vessel to stop it from bleeding.

“But today, thanks to medical advances, a safer and less invasive method called endovascular therapy (where doctors treat the blood vessel from inside using thin tubes inserted through the arteries) has become the preferred approach worldwide,” shares Dr Singh.

Endovascularly, options include different forms of coiling or flow diverter placement to stop blood flow into the aneurysm and prevent re-bleeding. With advances in neuro-intervention, survival rates have improved, especially with timely treatment.

Final Word

A ruptured aneurysm is a race against time. Every minute counts, and reaching the hospital at the earliest can make the difference between life, disability, and death. Greater awareness among the public about this condition is the first step toward reducing its devastating impact.