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Stroke or Aneurysm? Doctor Explains the Life-Saving Difference on World Brain Day 2025

On World Brain Day 2025, OnlyMyHealth took an initiative to clear the differences between a stroke and an aneurysm and talked to Prof (Dr) Chhitij Srivastava, Director & HOD, Neurosurgery, Apollo Hospitals Lucknow, to help you spot the difference and save a life.

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Stroke or Aneurysm? Doctor Explains the Life-Saving Difference on World Brain Day 2025


When it comes to brain health, most of us overlook it until it's too late. But that does not have to be the case. This World Brain Day, it is important to take care of two most common but deadly brain conditions that strike suddenly but not without warning:  Stroke and Aneurysm. These lie low and strike unknowingly. With the theme of ‘Brain Health for All Ages’, it is important to know how to differentiate a stroke from an aneurysm to preserve our brain health.

On World Brain Day 2025, OnlyMyHealth took an initiative to clear the differences between a stroke and an aneurysm and talked to Prof (Dr) Chhitij Srivastava, Director & HOD, Neurosurgery, Apollo Hospitals Lucknow, to help you spot the difference and save a life.

"Although both are serious brain emergencies, the way an aneurysm and a stroke present can be quite different," said Dr Srivastava.

What is a Brain Stroke?

A brain stroke occurs when the blood supply to a section of the brain is either clogged or ruptured. And, when the brain does not receive oxygen-rich blood in time, this part begins to die.

Strokes are largely divided into two categories: ischemic and hemorrhagic. A clot that inhibits the flow of blood causes an ischemic stroke. A hemorrhagic stroke occurs due to the bursting of a blood vessel in the brain, which leads to bleeding.

Strokes do not always come with warning and attack quickly. So, the quicker its identification and doctor intervention is, the higher are chances of a good recovery.

ALSO READ: 5 Warning Signs of Stroke

What is a Brain Aneurysm?

A brain aneurysm is an outward swelling of a blood vessel in the brain. Imagine it as a hole in the tire which juts out when pressurised. It is not always a problem. Some individuals experience just small aneurysms and are unaware of their condition.

However, the bursting of an aneurysm causes bleeding in the brain, making it a medical emergency requiring immediate medical treatment. This is known as a subarachnoid haemorrhage, and is life-threatening.

This is where it becomes complicated: a ruptured aneurysm may result in a stroke. And this is why people think that the two are confused.

ALSO READ: Atherosclerosis vs Arteriosclerosis: Which One Should You Worry About?

Stroke vs Aneurysm: Know the differencebrain stroke symptoms

Dr Srivastava breaks it down simply:

  • A stroke is a problem with blood flow: It is either blocked or bleeding.
  • An aneurysm is a bulge in a blood vessel: it becomes dangerous when it bursts.
  • A stroke has sudden symptoms, like numbness, slurred speech, or confusion.
  • An aneurysm might not show symptoms until it ruptures. Once ruptured, it may cause a sudden, severe headache, vision issues, or even fainting.

One key difference is that strokes are more common and happen suddenly. Aneurysms, on the other hand, can sit quietly for years before they cause trouble.

The symptoms you should never ignore

If someone shows any of these stroke signs, act fast:

  • Face drooping
  • Arm weakness
  • Speech difficulty
  • Sudden confusion
  • Vision trouble
  • Loss of balance or coordination

"You can remember the acronym: FAST: Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulty, Time to call emergency services," advised Dr Srivastava.

For aneurysms, look out for:

  • A thunderclap headache that comes out of nowhere
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Seizures
  • Stiff neck
  • Drooping eyelid or dilated pupil
"Unruptured aneurysms may not show any symptoms at all and are often found incidentally," said Dr Srivastava.

“In either of the two, do not delay. Reach a hospital as soon as possible, even minutes play a crucial role between recovery and permanent injury,” he added.

ALSO READ: What Is The Golden Hour For Stroke Patients 

What Increases the Risk of Stroke and Aneurysm?types of brain stroke

To better aware you of the risk factors predisposing you to the chances of a stroke or an aneurysm, we asked Dr Srivastava to list the factors and which include: 

  • Smoking. 
  • High blood pressure.
  • Stress.
  • Sedentary lifestyle
  • Poor eating habits. 
  • High diabetes or cholesterol.
  • Atrial fibrillation or heart disease.

“Family history is also a factor. So, if you have a prior history of aneurysms or strokes in your family, opt for the screening option with a prior history of aneurysms or strokes in your family, opt for the screening option with a doctor,” advised Dr Srivastava.

Can A Brain Aneurysm Lead to A Stroke?

According to Dr Srivatava, "Yes, a ruptured brain aneurysm can indeed lead to a hemorrhagic stroke. This happens when the aneurysm bursts and causes bleeding in or around the brain. Moreover, it is not the most common type of stroke (which is ischemic), but hemorrhagic strokes account for about 13% of all strokes, and aneurysmal rupture is a major cause of these."

When an aneurysm ruptures, blood leaks into the surrounding brain tissue or the space around the brain, causing increased pressure, damage to brain cells, and reduced blood flow to the brain, all of which can result in a stroke.

What Can You Do Today?

You do not have to change your overnight. Every little effort makes a big difference. According to Dr Srivastava, habits to include for better brain health consist of: 

Food Habits: Consume homemade, balanced food.

Move Regularly: Walk every day after meals, or take up the goal of completing 10,000 steps. Keep Intoxication in Check: Lessen the amount of smoking and cut back on alcohol.

Lookout For Symptoms:  Most importantly, do not neglect uncommon headaches and numbness, and consult a neurologist at the earliest. 

Lifestyle Changes Like:

  • Keeping blood pressure and blood sugar under control.
  • Quitting smoking.
  • Exercising regularly.
  • Eating a heart-healthy diet (rich in fruits, vegetables, and low in salt).
  • Managing stress.

ALSO READ: From berries to broccoli, discover everyday foods that can help boost memory, enhance focus, and support long-term brain health

Conclusion: Precaution is Better than Cure

“Brain stroke is a serious situation, and so is a brain aneurysm, but they are not identical. It can save lives to know how they work, what symptoms to focus on and when to intervene. And when anything starts to feel wrong, do not brush it off and visit a neurologist,” concluded Dr Srivastava.

This World Brain Day, give yourself the freedom to be away from harm’s way!

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